Drinking age in Arizona (2026)
Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
In short: Arizona bans drinking in public places and sales between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Drinking by younger people with an adultBuying and drinking alcohol | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Drinking in public placesBuying and drinking alcohol | It is unlawful to consume spirituous liquor in a public place, thoroughfare or gathering. This does not apply to sales on the premises of and by an on-sale retailer. Local rules may differ. [1] |
| Where and when alcohol is soldBuying and drinking alcohol | It is unlawful to sell, deliver or give spirituous liquor to a person between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. It is also unlawful for a person under 21 to have any spirituous liquor in their body; defences include bona fide religious practice and bona fide medicinal purpose. Accompanied minors may be in licensed premises areas in set cases (for example with a parent, grandparent, spouse or guardian of legal drinking age). [1] |
| Minimum age to buy beer and wineBuying and drinking alcohol | 21 years [1] |
| Minimum age to buy spiritsBuying and drinking alcohol | 21 years [1] |
Sources
- Arizona Legislature: Arizona Revised Statutes 4-244 (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| Where and when alcohol is sold | Federal law does not itself ban the sale of alcohol to people under 21. Under 23 U.S.C. 158, a State loses 8 percent of certain federal highway funds if buying or publicly possessing alcohol is lawful there for a person under 21. (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (U.S. Code)) |
|---|
Arizona and neighbouring states
| State | Minimum age to buy beer and wine | Minimum age to buy spirits | Drinking by younger people with an adult | Drinking in public places | Where and when alcohol is sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 21 (all alcohol) | 21 (all alcohol) | ⚠ Not yet verified | No drinking in public places | No sales 2-6 a.m.; none in body under 21 |
| California | 21 | 21 | ⚠ Not yet verified | Under-21s may not possess alcohol in public places | Sales 6 a.m.-2 a.m.; none 2-6 a.m. |
| New Mexico | 21 | 21 | Parent/guardian/spouse on own property; religious use | Open containers banned in vehicles on highways | Licensed premises 7 a.m.-2 a.m.; packages 7 a.m.-midnight |
| Nevada | 21+ (purchase, consume, possess in public) | 21+ (purchase, consume, possess in public) | Allowed with parent, spouse or guardian 21+ | No drinking or open containers in vehicles | No sales to under 21; minors barred from bars |
| Utah | 21 | 21 | Only medical or religious services | No liquor in public buildings, parks, stadiums | None to under 21 or drunk; state stores |
More rules in Arizona
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+ within limits · Growing at home: Yes: 6 plants, 12 per residence
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph (prima facie) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 65 mph (prima facie)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (class G licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (restricted permit); 15½ (standard permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1-3, bicycle rules
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (ground devices only) · Minimum age to buy: 16
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Concealed pocket knife not an offence · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule; 'pocket knife' not defined
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.15 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes (secondary enforcement) · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Under 16 only
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Zero (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.