As Thanksgiving approaches, many people plan gatherings that may include a trip to the store for last-minute essentials, including alcoholic beverages. For those in states with ABC stores and government-run liquor outlets, a key question arises: Are ABC stores open on Thanksgiving Day? Let us dive in to know the answer.
ABC Stores are government-operated retail outlets that sell distilled spirits such as whiskey, vodka, and gin in U.S. states with an Alcoholic Beverage Control system. These states tightly regulate the sale and distribution of liquor. This is aimed at controlling consumption, ensuring public safety, and generating revenue. ABC Stores are managed by state or local agencies, not private companies.
Are ABC stores open on Thanksgiving? This is the question I shall be answering in this article. Stay connected to know the answer.
Are ABC Stores Open on Thanksgiving?

No, ABC stores are generally closed on Thanksgiving Day. It is a major holiday when these government-run stores are typically closed.
State-run ABC Stores are closed on Thanksgiving due to legal mandates rooted in Post-Prohibition alcohol control laws, which prioritize public safety, responsible consumption, and employee family time. These closures are non-negotiable in most ABC states, unlike private retailers with more flexibility.
ABC Store: Regular Store Hours
ABC store hours are set by state or local ABC boards and are consistent except for holidays. Go through the table below to know about the ABC store hours:
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time |
| Monday | 9:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM | 7:00 PM |
While these are the general ABC store hours, the working hours can change from location to location. To check the ABC Store hours, follow this step-by-step guide:
For State-Controlled ABC Liquor Stores, including North Carolina and Virginia
Follow the steps below to check ABC store hours in North Carolina and Virginia:
1. First, you have to identify “Your State and Local ABC Board.”
2. Go to the Official ABC Website.
- North Carolina: Go to the North Carolina website.
- Virginia: Go to the Virginia website.
3. Tap on “Stores” or “Store Locator” in the menu.
4. Enter your city, county, or zip code in the search tool to find nearby stores.
5. Select a specific store from the locator results.
6. Check the listed hours.
7. Note any holiday-specific hours.
For Hawaii ABC Stores (Convenience Stores)
1. Visit the Official Website.
2. Click “Store Locator” or “Find a Store” in the menu.
3. Enter your location or browse stores by region.
4. Select a store from the locator to view its address, phone number, and hours.
5. Note any holiday-specific adjustments.
Also, read Is Publix Open on Thanksgiving? Check This Before You Visit
ABC Stores Holiday Hours
Holiday hours for ABC Stores vary significantly depending on whether they are state-operated liquor retailers, which face strict legal restrictions, or private convenience stores catering to tourists. The table below takes you through the ABC Stores holiday hours:
| Holiday | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s | Closed | Closed |
| Martin Luther King | Closed | Closed |
| Valentine’s Day | 9:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
| President’s Day | 9:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
| St. Patrick’s Day | 9:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
| Good Friday | 9:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
| Day Before Easter | 9:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
| Easter | Closed | Closed |
| Memorial Day | Closed | Closed |
| Independence Day | Closed | Closed |
| Labor Day | Closed | Closed |
| Halloween | 9:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
| Thanksgiving Day | Closed | Closed |
| Black Friday | 9:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
| Christmas Eve | 9:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
| Christmas Day | Closed | Closed |
| Day after Christmas | 9:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
| New Year’s Eve | 9:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
Conclusion
So it has come to light that State-run Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) stores in states like North Carolina, Virginia, Alabama, and Pennsylvania will be closed on Thanksgiving due to state laws mandating holiday closures for liquor sales. If you are unsure which ABC Store applies to or need location-specific details, verifying with official websites or store contacts will ensure a smooth Thanksgiving celebration. I hope your question: Are ABC Stores open on Thanksgiving is answered to your satisfaction. Go through the article to know more about it.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Hawaii ABC Stores open on Thanksgiving Day?
Yes, most Hawaii ABC Stores are expected to be open with reduced hours.
2. Why are state-run ABC Stores closed on Thanksgiving?
State-run ABC Stores close on Thanksgiving due to state laws rooted in post-Prohibition alcohol control policies.
3. What is the opening and closing timing of ABC stores?
The stores typically operate Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
4. Are there any exceptions where state-run ABC Stores might be open on Thanksgiving?
No, state-run ABC Stores in NC, VA, AL, and PA have no exceptions for Thanksgiving openings due to strict state regulations.