History of Liquor store in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 30, 2025

A liquor store is a retail establishment focused on selling prepackaged alcoholic drinks like liquors, wine, and beer for consumption elsewhere. It is known by various names such as off-licence, bottle shop, or liquor store, depending on the region. In some jurisdictions, alcohol sales are monopolized, while in US states with Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) systems, these stores are referred to as ABC stores. The primary function is to provide alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption.

1994: Sunday Trading Act 1994

In the United Kingdom, the Sunday Trading Act of 1994 exempted liquor stores (and any shops that sells alcohol) from its effects.

2000: Voluntary Ban on Vending Machines

In 2000, a "voluntary ban" was imposed on vending machines retailing alcoholic drinks in Japan.

2003: Licensing Act 2003

In the United Kingdom, the mandatory closing time for any licensed liquor stores are regulated by Licensing Act 2003 instead.

2007: EU Court Allows Online Craft Beer Orders

In 2007, an EU court ruled that individuals can order craft beer online within the EU without needing to go through national monopolies.

2012: Drizly Launches in Boston

In 2012, Drizly, an alcohol e-commerce platform, launched its service in Boston allowing liquor stores to offer on-demand delivery.

March 2020: Off-Licences Added to Essential Businesses List

During the COVID-19 pandemic, on March 25 2020, off-licences in the United Kingdom were added to the list of essential businesses allowed to stay open, also enabling pubs and brewery taprooms with licences to sell beer for home consumption to offer takeaway sales and home deliveries.

2020: Instacart Adds Alcohol Pick-Up Orders

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Instacart announced that users would be able to add alcohol to their pick-up orders.

2023: Publication of Convenience Stores as Social Spaces

In 2023, "Convenience Stores as Social Spaces: Trust and Relations in Deprived Neighborhoods in the U.S." by Cosima Werner was published by Lexington Books.