Where Is Happy Hour Illegal in the US? These States Still Say No to Discounted Drinks
May 21st, 2025
Despite the popularity of happy hour across the country, a handful of U.S. states still maintain strict laws that make time-based drink specials illegal. Whether due to concerns over binge drinking, public safety, or long-standing political stances, these states have chosen to keep happy hour promotions off the menu.
Here's a breakdown of the U.S. states where happy hour is still banned as of 2025:
Massachusetts
- Ban Since: 1984
- What's Prohibited: Time based drink specials aka Happy Hours
- What's Allowed: Food specials and all day drink pricing
- Reason: The ban was enacted after a tragic drunk driving incident and remains one of the strictest in the nation. Several efforts have been made to repeal it, but none have succeeded.
Alaska
- What's Prohibited: Price changes based on time of day, including happy hour pricing
- What's Allowed: Static pricing and food promotions
- Reason: Alaska's Alcoholic Beverage Control Board maintains restrictions to avoid excessive consumption.
North Carolina
- What's Prohibited: Time based drink specials
- What's Allowed: Discounted drinks must be available all day long
- Exception: Hotels and private clubs may be allowed to structure limited offers under specific circumstances
- Reason: To reduce binge drinking and make enforcement simpler
Rhode Island
- What's Prohibited: Promotional discounts on alcohol tied to specific times
- What's Allowed: Food specials, regular priced drinks
- Reason: Originally enacted for safety reasons; the law has remained in place despite some pushback
Utah
- What's Prohibited: Happy hour discounts and other promotions that change drink prices throughout the day
- What's Allowed: Fixed-price drink menus and daily food specials
- Reason: Utah maintains some of the strictest alcohol laws in the U.S., largely driven by cultural and religious influences
Vermont
- What's Prohibited: Any drink specials based on time (e.g., "half off from 4–6 PM")
- What's Allowed: All-day promotions, food deals
- Reason: Lawmakers wanted to discourage irresponsible drinking and keep bar pricing predictable for both patrons and regulators
Atlanta, Georgia
- What's Prohibited: Time-based drink discounts, free drinks, and "all-you-can-drink" promotions
- What's Allowed: All-day pricing and food specials
- Reason: Atlanta banned happy hour in 1985 to reduce overconsumption and improve public safety. The law remains in effect within city limits, although neighboring areas like Marietta may have more lenient rules.
While most states embrace happy hour as a marketing staple and consumer favorite, these six holdouts and certain cities like Atlanta reflect a more cautious approach to alcohol regulation. If you're planning a night out in one of these areas, don't expect a drink discount after work, but you might still find great food deals or all-day pricing to enjoy.
