Georgia law restricts the sale of distilled spirits to licensed package stores, meaning grocery stores and convenience stores in Macon-Bibb County can sell only beer and wine. This regulation gives Macon’s dedicated liquor stores a central role in the local alcohol retail market. The term “package store” remains in common use across Georgia, a holdover from post-Prohibition laws that required liquor to be sold in sealed original packaging and bagged for transport.
Macon-Bibb County’s liquor stores are concentrated along the major commercial corridors of Forsyth Road, Log Cabin Drive, Riverside Drive, and Eisenhower Parkway. The customer base spans Mercer University faculty and staff, military-connected shoppers from the Robins Air Force Base corridor, downtown professionals, and I-75 travelers passing through Middle Georgia. Macon Beverage Outlet’s Log Cabin Drive location advertises itself as the largest beverage store in Georgia at 23,000 square feet, reflecting the scale of demand in the region.
Sunday package sales in Macon-Bibb County are permitted between 12:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m., following a statewide referendum that ended Georgia’s longstanding Sunday liquor sales ban in 2011. Monday through Saturday, package stores may sell between 7:00 a.m. and 11:45 p.m. under state law, though individual store hours vary. Georgia also prohibits package alcohol sales on Christmas Day.
Top-Rated Liquor Stores in Macon, Georgia
Macon Beverage Outlet (Log Cabin Drive)
Adres: 4580 Log Cabin Dr, Macon, GA 31204
Web: maconbevoutlet.com
Macon Beverage Outlet’s flagship location on Log Cabin Drive occupies 23,000 square feet and bills itself as the largest liquor store in Georgia. The store carries an extensive selection of craft spirits, fine wines, and microbrewed beers. A second location at 3965 Arkwright Road spans 12,000 square feet and features private-label bourbons distilled exclusively for the store. Both locations are locally owned and serve as go-to destinations for bourbon collectors and craft beer enthusiasts across Middle Georgia.
Hilltop Liquor
Adres: 4490 Riverside Dr, Macon, GA 31210
Web: hilltopliquormacon.com
Hilltop Liquor on Riverside Drive has built a reputation for one of the best bourbon selections in central Georgia. The store stocks a wide range of beer, wine, spirits, cigars, and ready-to-drink cocktails. Its location near the I-75 Riverside Drive exit makes it a convenient stop for travelers passing through Macon. Reviews consistently highlight the knowledgeable staff and the clean, well-organized layout. Open seven days a week with Sunday hours beginning at 12:30 p.m.
Country Club Package
Adres: 4575 Forsyth Rd, Macon, GA 31210
Web: countryclubpackage.com
Country Club Package is a neighborhood liquor store on Forsyth Road near the Ingleside and Vineville neighborhoods. The store carries a curated selection of bourbon, scotch, wine, and beer, with owner Tony earning regular praise from customers for personalized recommendations. The store offers online ordering with delivery and in-store pickup through its website. Despite its smaller footprint compared to the big-box competitors, Country Club Package fills a niche for shoppers seeking a more personal, locally-run experience.
Liquor Stores in Macon: Common Questions
What are the legal hours for buying liquor in Macon, GA?
Under Georgia state law, package stores in Macon-Bibb County may sell distilled spirits Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. Sunday sales are permitted from 12:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Package alcohol sales are prohibited on Christmas Day statewide. Individual stores set their own operating hours within these legal windows, so check with the store directly for exact opening and closing times.
Can I buy liquor at grocery stores or gas stations in Macon, GA?
No. Georgia law restricts the sale of distilled spirits to licensed package stores (liquor stores). Grocery stores, gas stations, and convenience stores in Macon can sell beer and wine only. If you need bourbon, vodka, tequila, or other spirits, you must visit a dedicated liquor store. This regulation applies statewide and is not specific to Macon-Bibb County.
Which liquor store in Macon, GA has the largest selection?
Macon Beverage Outlet’s Log Cabin Drive location is the largest in the area at 23,000 square feet, with a massive inventory of spirits, wine, and craft beer. Their Arkwright Road location at 12,000 square feet carries private-label bourbons and an extensive single malt scotch selection. For a more curated experience, Hilltop Liquor on Riverside Drive is well regarded for its bourbon depth and cigar selection.
Does Macon, GA allow Sunday liquor sales?
Yes. Macon-Bibb County approved Sunday package sales following Georgia’s 2011 statewide referendum. Liquor stores in Macon may sell distilled spirits on Sundays between 12:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. Most Macon liquor stores, including Macon Beverage Outlet, Hilltop Liquor, and Country Club Package, are open on Sundays within these hours. Beer and wine are also available for Sunday purchase at grocery stores and convenience stores during the same window.
How do liquor prices in Macon, GA compare to Atlanta?
Liquor prices in Macon are generally competitive with or slightly lower than Atlanta, driven by lower overhead costs and less competition from premium specialty retailers. Macon Beverage Outlet frequently advertises “huge savings” and volume-driven pricing at both locations. Georgia sets a uniform state excise tax on spirits at $3.79 per gallon, so base tax costs are the same statewide. Actual shelf prices vary by store, so comparing specific bottles across retailers is the best way to find deals.