Does CVS Sell Alcohol? (Yes, But Something You Should Know)

What type of alcohol will be sold?
Well, yes it does! The popular drugstore chain made waves when they announced that they would start selling liquor in some of their stores. Does this mean you can buy beer and wine right next to your toothpaste and shampoo? And what does this mean for the pharmacy’s competition? So, let’s take a closer look at Does CVS Sell Alcohol?

What is CVS?

CVS is a large pharmacy chain in the United States. They sell prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, health and beauty products, and more. They have over 9,000 locations across the country. It is owned by CVS Health, which also owns Caremark and Aetna. The chain is so successful that in 2021 it was estimated to be worth $67 billion. 

Why Did CVS Start Selling Alcohol?

The drugstore decided to start offering alcohol in order to meet the needs of their customers. They found that many of their customers were going to other stores, like grocery stores, to buy wine, beer, and spirits. This put the store at a disadvantage because they were losing out on potential sales. In addition, by selling alcohol, CVS will be able to offer more convenience to their customers. 

Are There Restricted Times?

The pharmacy has stated that they will not trade alcohol 24 hours a day and that they will stop selling at 10:00 PM. This is to ensure that customers do not purchase alcohol and then drive under the influence. 

What type of alcohol will be sold?

The store will sell all types, including beer, spirits, and wine. However, they will not sell hard liquor unless the state permits it. Different states have different laws regarding the sale of alcohol, so it is important to check with your local CVS before heading over there. For example, in Kansas, wine cannot be sold outside of a liquor shop.

Does CVS Sell Alcohol on Sundays?

Often certain items are restricted on religious days; this occurs across the world. In regard to drink sales, this depends on the state in the USA. Some states do not allow alcohol to be sold on Sundays, while others do. States that do not allow it include Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Utah. 

What Are the Consequences of Breaking the Law?

If the pharmacy is caught selling outside of the allowed times or to minors, they could face legal consequences. These penalties could include fines or the loss of their alcohol license. 

Can you Return Alcohol to CVS?

No, CVS does not accept returns on these items. Despite the bottle of 10-year-old limoncello in your cupboard still tasting good, alcoholic beverages are, in fact, classified as perishable items and therefore cannot be resold once it has been purchased. 

What is the Age Restriction?

The legal drinking age in the United States is 21 years old. This means that you must be 21 years old to purchase alcohol from CVS. If you are caught trying to purchase it under the age of 21, you could face legal consequences. These consequences could include a fine or jail time. 

The store could also face repercussions if they get caught selling alcohol to minors, as mentioned, including the loss of their alcohol license. This would be pretty embarrassing for the billion dollar chain store!

Is the Alcohol that CVS is Selling Good?

This is a matter of opinion. However, the store does sell a variety of assorted brands, well-known and less well-known, and types of alcohol. This means that there is something for everyone.

What Do Other Stores Think About This?

The drugstore’s main competitors are Walgreens and Rite Aid. These stores have not announced any plans to start selling alcohol. However, they may be forced to reevaluate if CVS’s new policy is successful. Currently, Walgreens is worth $48 billion, and Rite Aid is worth $3.5 billion, so CVS already has a large lead in the market.

What Do Customers Think About This?

Some customers are thrilled that they will now be able to purchase alcohol at their local drugstore. This will save them time and money. Other customers are concerned about the store selling it. They worry that it will lead to more underage drinking and drunk driving. Time will tell, but with a strict selling policy, it shouldn’t really have an influence on drink related issues.

What Other Non-Pharma Items Does CVS Sell?

In addition to offering these new beverages, the pharmacy also sells a variety of other items. These items include cosmetics, household items, food, and over-the-counter medications. This might seem unusual for a pharmacy, but it is part of CVS’s plan to become a one-stop-shop for all of their customers’ needs. 

Signs You Need to Reduce Your Drinking

While some of the concerns about CVS trading alcohol are valid, it is important to remember that moderate drinking is generally safe. However, there are some signs that you might need to cut back on your consumption. These signs include that you… 

If you are experiencing any of these signs, it is important to seek help. There are a variety of resources available to help you cut back on your drinking or quit altogether. 

Read more: Walmart Alcohol Policy

Thinking of getting a job at CVS?

CVS is a superb place to work; find out all about it in my CVS Pharmacy Application, and for even more info about the company, my CVS Caremark Mission And Vision Statement Analysis. Or if you’re younger and looking for your first real job, you’ll need to know How Old Do You Have To Be To Work At CVS and Can Teens Work at CVS; plus, if you’ve had some problems with the law previously, find out Does CVS Run Background Checks before you apply.

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Does CVS Sell Alcohol – Final Thoughts?

Well, yes, but this new policy has mixed reactions. Some people approve of it, and some are against it. However, the store is not breaking any laws by selling alcohol. They are simply meeting the needs of their customers, and they are not the only store that sells it. 

They are, however, the first major pharmacy chain to start selling in their stores. This could put them at a competitive advantage over other stores. Only time will tell if this move pays off for the company. Until then, customers can enjoy the convenience of being able to purchase beer and wine at their local CVS store.

Cheers, and enjoy shopping at CVS!