California Alcohol (2026) — Rules & Official Sources

Warning

California Alcohol Laws

California allows sales 6AM-2AM daily. Open container illegal statewide. Many beaches prohibit alcohol. DUI checkpoints common.

California allows alcohol sales 6AM-2AM every day. Liquor in grocery stores. OPEN CONTAINER: Prohibited for all vehicle occupants. DUI: 0.08% BAC, 0.01% under 21 (zero tolerance). BEACHES: Many prohibit alcohol - check local ordinances (LA County beaches generally prohibit). State parks allow in campgrounds but not day-use areas. Public intoxication (PC 647f) is misdemeanor. Bus. & Prof. Code §25631.

Official sources (verified August 18, 2026)

California Business & Professions Code §25631 (California Legislative Information) — Bus. & Prof. Code §25631

Know the rules everywhere you go

This page covers California state-level law. The ZoneWise app checks alcohol and 15 more categories across 35,000+ state, county & city jurisdictions at your exact GPS location — and alerts you when the rules change as you travel.

Notify me when it returns

More California rules

Carry Laws E-bikes & Scooters

Alcohol in other states

Alabama Alaska American Samoa Arkansas District of Columbia Minnesota New Hampshire New York North Dakota Northern Mariana Islands Oklahoma Pennsylvania Puerto Rico U.S. Virgin Islands Vermont Virginia

Disclaimer: ZoneWise provides summaries of laws and regulations for general informational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Laws change frequently and local ordinances may impose additional restrictions. Always verify current law with the official sources cited above or a licensed attorney before acting.