New Maui Law Lifts 11 p.m. Deadline on Sale of Alcohol

The Department of Liquor Control on Maui has lifted the time restriction on the sale of alcohol at retail locations and hotels in Maui County.

The new law went into effect on March 4, 2017, and essentially lifts the 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. restriction on the sale of alcohol at supermarkets, convenience stores and other after hours retail spots.

County Communications Director Rod Antone tells Maui Now that the public should note that retailers still fall under the same liquor laws and restrictions.  “For example, they can’t sell alcohol to someone that is visibly intoxicated, nor can they sell to minors. They are also subject to inspection by the Liquor Department. All safeguards and restrictions are still in place except now retailers can decide for themselves the hours they sell alcohol,” said Antone.

The Department of Liquor Control rule change relating to “Hours for the sale, service and consumption of liquor in licensed premises” now says “any hour of the day” for retailers.

The rule as outlined in the updated Rules of the Liquor Commission are as follows:

§08-101-25 Hours for the sale, service, and consumption of liquor in licensed premises.

(a) Hours during which licensed premises may be open for the transaction of business shall be as follows:

(1) Dispensers, restaurants, clubs, transient vessels, tour or cruise vessels, and specials: any hour of the day from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m., the following day.

(2) Cabarets: any hour of the day from 6 a.m. to 4 a.m., the following day.

(3) Hotels and condominium hotels: any hour of the day.

(4) Retailers: any hour of the day.

(5) Manufacturers and wholesalers: any hour of the day.

(6) Brewpubs: any hour of the day from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m., the following day for on-premises consumption liquor sales and 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. for off-premises retail liquor sales.

(7) Small craft producer pubs: any hour of the day from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m., the following day for on-premises consumption liquor sales, any hour of the day for manufacture and wholesale, and 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. for off-premises retail liquor sales.

(8) Caterers: any hour of the day from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m., the following day.

(9) Wineries: any hour of the day for manufacture and wholesale, and from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. for off-premises retail sales and on premises wine tasting activities.

(b) Adjustment of hours on emergencies: the commission may, by resolution, extend or curtail hours for the transaction of liquor business on any legal holiday or any other occasion when such action is deemed advisable. The commission shall further have the authority to order the closing of licensed premises in a riot area for the protection of life and property for the hours and days it deems necessary.

(c) There shall be no sale, service, or consumption of liquor on or within any licensed premises before or after the hours prescribed by the commission.

(d) There shall be no sale or consumption of liquor on board any vessel licensed premises except while en route unless otherwise authorized by law.

(e) Licensee may operate or be open for business for other than the sale, service, or consumption of liquor prior to or beyond the hours prescribed by the commission, upon submitting an application and obtaining prior approval from the commission.