Does Rite Aid Sell Alcohol in 2024? A Deep Dive into Beer, Wine, and Liquor Availability
Rite Aid‘s 9,000+ pharmacies are convenience store staples for medications, snacks, and everyday essentials. But can you grab a 6-pack of beer or bottle of wine along with your prescription refill? Rite Aid does sell alcohol in many locations, but its availability is complex and regulated. Here‘s an in-depth look at Rite Aid‘s alcohol selections.
The Tricky State of Rite Aid Alcohol Sales
Rite Aid has the capability to sell beer, wine, and spirits in approximately 4,600 locations across the U.S. However, alcohol sales are permitted in only around 2,500 Rite Aid pharmacies (27% of total stores).
Why such limited booze availability?
Local liquor laws are the deciding factor. Alcohol sales regulations vary enormously between states, counties, and even individual cities. Many jurisdictions ban alcohol sales entirely at pharmacies like Rite Aid. Some only permit beer and wine. A handful allow all types of liquor.
This state-by-state patchwork of alcohol legislation results in huge inconsistencies in Rite Aid‘s alcohol selections. A Rite Aid in New York City may sell vodka, while a location 30 minutes away in New Jersey only carries beer. Booze bureaucracy makes things tricky!
The best way to confirm if your neighborhood Rite Aid sells alcohol is to call and ask. Store associates stay up-to-date on precisely which varieties are in stock per local laws. Don‘t assume all Rite Aid pharmacies are equal when it comes to alcohol.
What Types of Alcoholic Beverages Does Rite Aid Sell?
In stores where it‘s legally allowed, what kinds of beer, wine, and spirits are available at Rite Aid pharmacies?
Beer Selections
Nearly all Rite Aids with alcohol licenses sell single bottles/cans of major domestic beer brands like Budweiser, Coors, Miller Lite, Michelob Ultra, and Corona. Prices are reasonable but not dirt-cheap, averaging around $1.50 – $2 per bottle/can.
Craft beers and imports are less common but carried at some locations. Regional favorites like Yuengling in the Northeast and Shiner Bock in Texas get priority. Major national craft names like Sierra Nevada, Sam Adams, and Lagunitas may also make Rite Aid shelves.
Surprisingly, Rite Aid even stocks niche local microbrews in select markets. For example, Detroit Rite Aids offer beers from Atwater Brewery and Grand Rapids spots carry Brewery Vivant.
Variety and availability fluctuate based on seasonal demand and local preferences. Check with your store for the most up-to-date craft/import selection.
Wine Offerings
Wine is available at approximately 1,300 Rite Aid locations in legal states. Focus is affordably-priced single-serve bottles of popular varietals like Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot, etc. Privately-owned budget brands like Woodbridge, Sutter Home, and Barefoot are stocked rather than famous vintners.
Prices range from $5 – $15 for a standard 750ml bottle. Decent bang for your buck but don‘t expect incredible vintage quality!
Boxed wines or large format sizes are unlikely. Some stores may carry mini 187ml "airplane" bottles for convenience. Rosé, sparkling wines, and champagne are limited to higher-volume urban spots.
As with beer, look for localized wine selections catering to local vineyards. For example, Finger Lakes wines in upstate New York or Lime Kiln Valley in central California.
Spirits and Liquors
Hard alcohol like vodka, whiskey, rum, and tequila is the most restricted Rite Aid alcohol category due to stricter liquor laws. Only around 300 select locations in a handful of states sell genuine distilled spirits.
Where allowed, the liquor selection is focused on middle-shelf quality brands in 750ml and 1.75L sizes. Offerings typically include Smirnoff vodka, Bacardi rum, Captain Morgan spiced rum, Jim Beam bourbon, Jack Daniels whiskey, and Jose Cuervo tequila. Prices range from $10 – $35.
Don‘t expect top-shelf premium liquors or extensive variety. Some stores may sell mini 50ml "nip" bottles in urban areas with liquor licenses. But availability is very limited compared to wine and especially beer.
Coolers and Spiked Seltzers
Nearly all Rite Aid alcohol locations sell malt beverages and spiked seltzers like Mike‘s Hard Lemonade, Smirnoff Ice, White Claw, Truly, etc. These are technically considered "beer" legally speaking, so they face fewer restrictions.
Selection includes variety packs and single-flavor cans/bottles. Regional brands like Crook & Marker spiked tea (west coast) or Downeast ciders (New England) may be spotted. Great lower ABV option!
How Do Rite Aid Alcohol Prices Compare?
| Beverage | Avg. Price at Rite Aid |
|---|---|
| Domestic Beer Bottle/Can (12oz) | $1.50 – $2.00 |
| Import Beer Bottle/Can (12oz) | $1.50 – $2.50 |
| Craft Beer Bottle/Can (12oz) | $2.00 – $3.00 |
| Box Wine (3L) | n/a |
| Wine Bottle (750ml) | $5.00 – $15.00 |
| Liquor Bottle (750ml) | $10.00 – $35.00 |
| Spiked Seltzer (12oz) | $1.50 – $2.50 |
Pricing is competitive but generally a little higher than large liquor superstores. The convenience factor helps justify the premium at Rite Aid. Cashiers are instructed to never discount alcohol below cost.
Important Policies for Buying Alcohol at Rite Aid
Carding: Rite Aid cashiers are required to check ID of all alcohol purchasers, no exceptions. Bring a valid driver‘s license, passport, or military ID if you look under 30.
Hours of sale: Alcohol can only be purchased during state-mandated hours – never 24/7. No late night beer runs!
Promotions: Rite Aid cannot offer sales, coupons, or discounts on alcohol by law. Regular prices only.
Returns: Unopened alcohol can be returned with receipt in most states. Consumption or tampering will void refund eligibility.
Training: All employees complete Responsible Alcohol Sales training on relevant laws. No sales to intoxicated or underage customers.
Beyond Booze: Non-Alcoholic Drinks at Rite Aid
While beer, wine, and liquor get all the attention, Rite Aid also sells a plethora of non-alcoholic beverages:
- Soda (Coca-Cola, Pepsi, 7UP, etc.)
- Fruit juices
- Bottled water
- Sports drinks like Gatorade
- Flavored/vitamin waters
- Bottled coffee & tea
- Dairy drinks like milk and chocolate milk
- Sparkling water like LaCroix
- Energy drinks like Red Bull
Rite Aid is truly a one-stop shop for any type of drink you‘re thirsty for!
FAQ About Rite Aid Alcohol Sales
Does Rite Aid sell hard liquor?
Only around 300 Rite Aid locations in a few states can sell genuine distilled spirits like vodka, rum, tequila, whiskey, etc. Most stores are limited to beer and wine.
Can I use coupons on alcohol at Rite Aid?
No, promotional pricing on alcohol is illegal according to state regulations. No discounts, coupons, or reward points can apply to beer, wine, or liquor.
Are there limits on amounts of alcohol purchased?
Most states do not restrict quantities sold. However, Rite Aid staff reserve the right to limit purchases at their discretion.
Does Rite Aid sell kegs or mini kegs of beer?
No, Rite Aid does not stock full-size or mini kegs of beer. Selection is limited to individual bottles/cans.
Can minors purchase non-alcoholic beer at Rite Aid?
No, national policy requires ID checks for any beverage containing alcohol, even 0.5% ABV root beers. Must be 21+ for all "alcohol" purchases.
The Final Word on Alcohol at Rite Aid
Rite Aid does sell alcohol, but unevenly across thousands of locations. Beer availability is most common, with wine close behind and hard liquor quite rare. Check your local laws and visit the store to see their permitted alcohol selection in person. And brace for spotty options, given Rite Aid‘s challenging battle with byzantine booze bureaucracy!
