You’re standing in your kitchen, looking at a half-empty bottle of bourbon and realizing the party or the quiet night in is about to hit a snag. We’ve all been there. You grab your phone and type in the panic-search: what time does the abc store close today? The answer isn't as simple as checking a Starbucks. Because "ABC" (Alcoholic Beverage Control) stores are state-run or heavily regulated by local boards, their hours are a patchwork quilt of government bureaucracy. Depending on whether you're in Richmond, Raleigh, or Honolulu, that closing time can swing wildly from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Let's break down the reality of these hours so you don't end up staring at a locked glass door.
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The Big Three: Virginia, North Carolina, and Alabama
If you are in a "Control State," the government basically owns the liquor business. In Virginia, most ABC stores follow a fairly predictable rhythm. On a standard Friday or Saturday, you’re usually looking at a 9:00 PM closing time. However, Sunday is the kicker—many locations shut down early, often by 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM. It’s always worth checking the specific shop in your neighborhood because "premier" locations in high-traffic areas sometimes stay open later than the sleepy outpost in the suburbs.
North Carolina is a whole different beast. Here, the state doesn't just run one big system; it’s divided into local boards.
In Raleigh (Wake County), you’ll find most stores closing at 9:00 PM on weekends, but some smaller ones might pull the gate at 7:00 PM.
Greensboro often sticks to that 9:00 PM rule too.
Crucial Note: North Carolina ABC stores are closed on Sundays. Period. If it’s Sunday and you need vodka, you’re basically out of luck unless you’re heading to a bar or a brewery for beer and wine.
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Alabama (ABC Select Spirits) is similarly strict. Most of their retail spots close by 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM on weeknights. If you’re trying to snag a bottle after a late shift, you’re pushing your luck.
Why Hawaii and Pennsylvania Break the Rules
When people ask "what time does the abc store close today" in Hawaii, they are usually talking about a completely different company. ABC Stores in Hawaii are more like high-end convenience stores that happen to sell a lot of booze. Because they cater to tourists in Waikiki and beyond, they stay open late. We’re talking 11:00 PM or even midnight. If you're in Honolulu, you have way more breathing room than someone in Birmingham.
Then there’s Pennsylvania. They call them Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores.
Pennsylvania has been loosening up lately, but their hours are still quirky.
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- Most close at 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.
- Sunday hours are often limited, with many stores closing at 5:00 PM.
- Holiday weekends? Expect early closures at 5:00 PM on the actual holiday or the day before.
The "Hidden" Closing Factors
There are things that Google Maps won't always tell you. For example, in 2026, many state systems are still dealing with staffing shortages. It’s not uncommon for a store to post a sign saying "Closing at 6 PM today due to personnel" despite what the website says.
Also, keep an eye on the calendar. ABC stores are government-run, which means they love a good federal holiday. If today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, or Labor Day, there is a very high chance the store is either closed entirely or closing at 6:00 PM.
Quick Cheat Sheet for Closing Times
- Virginia: Mostly 9:00 PM (Mon-Sat), 6:00/7:00 PM (Sun).
- North Carolina: Mostly 9:00 PM. Closed Sundays.
- Alabama: Often 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM. Many closed Sundays.
- Hawaii (Convenience): Usually 11:00 PM or Midnight.
- Pennsylvania: 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM (Mon-Sat), 5:00 PM (Sun).
How to Guarantee You Get Your Bottle
Honestly, the best move is to use the official state-specific store locator. Don't just trust the "Hours" snippet on a search engine, as those are often updated by third parties and can be wrong for specific holidays or local town ordinances.
- Check the Official Site: Go to
abc.virginia.govorwakeabc.comdirectly. - Call Ahead: It sounds old school, but if it's 8:45 PM and you have a 10-minute drive, call them. They’ll tell you if they’re locking the doors exactly on the dot.
- The "Dry County" Trap: In places like Alabama or even parts of North Carolina, you might be in a "dry" or "semi-dry" area where the ABC store closes even earlier than the state average, or simply doesn't exist.
Don't wait until the last minute during a holiday weekend. ABC stores are notorious for having long lines and empty shelves right before Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve, and they almost always close early on those dates—usually by 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM.
Actionable Steps for Today
- Verify your state: Confirm if you are in a state-run system or a private one (like Hawaii).
- Check the day: If it is Sunday, and you are in North Carolina or certain Alabama counties, the answer is "they don't open."
- Account for the "10-minute rule": Most clerks want to go home. If the store closes at 9:00 PM, try to be inside by 8:45 PM. Many stores will stop letting people in a few minutes before the actual strike of the clock to finish the transactions already in line.
- Use the app: Virginia and Pennsylvania have relatively decent apps that show real-time stock and hours for your specific GPS location.