What do you call a liquor store?

[Noah930]

We were at the beach (Cape Cod, MA) today and overheard a guy on his cellphone. He was leaving and on his way to a "package store." In Massachusetts a package store (or a "packie") is a liquor store. I commented on that term and my wife asked me why they're not called package stores everywhere else. As far as I know, they're only called that in New England. So out of curiosity, what are liquor stores called in other parts of the country?

[slodave]

Liquor store.

[Noah930]

Yes, Dave, that's what they call them in my part of the San Fernando Valley, too.

[slodave]

If Liz asked me to stop by the package store, I'm not sure what I'd do. Probably stop by the FedEx store or something and buy her some boxes.

[widgeon13]

I grew up in NE so package store is familiar to me but then again I also know people who call soda (Coke, Pepsi, Root Beer ,whatever) tonic. I think that is a Boston terminology but I could be wrong.

Packie could be someone from Pakistan

Liquor store could be someplace where you get an ice cream cone, get it, lick and ice cream.

I'll stop there. It's just the way my warped mind works.

[imcarthur]

They call them package stores in the carolinas from what I can tell. I did get an odd look when I asked for the nearest pkg store in Atlanta. Liquor store or beer store - two distinct entities here in Ontario.

Ian

[gduke2010]

We used to stop at Cappy's Liquor Store on Friday nights in the Boston area." Package" always sounded more discrete or political correct.

[masraum]

I've always called them either a liquor store or a package store. I'm from FL. my dad moved from OH when he was a kid. I'm not sure if we got "package store" from his birthplace or from the military. I'm assuming the military. I think they are called package stores on mil bases.

[A930Rocket]

Beer store...

[rouxroux]

Class VI

In Alabama we used to call them ABC stores

[widgeon13]

Military base liquor store = Class VI store

Originally Posted by masraum

I've always called them either a liquor store or a package store. I'm from FL. my dad moved from OH when he was a kid. I'm not sure if we got "package store" from his birthplace or from the military. I'm assuming the military. I think they are called package stores on mil bases.

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by rouxroux

Class VI

In Alabama we used to call them ABC stores

ABC is how I knew them when I was living there. Package store in many states where liquor is sold by state run stores. Liquor store if all they have is a off sale liquor license.

I don't know how it is nowadays, but AZ used to sell beer/wine out of drive up windows. I remember pulling into Bullhead or Havasu City and buying some cold ones from the front seat. With CA plates, I had a local LEO follow me until I got to my motel and parked, locked and walked away (w/o the beer).

Never went back to those holes.

[Mark Henry]

Originally Posted by imcarthur

Liquor store or beer store - two distinct entities here in Ontario.

Ian

I must be old, I still call it the LCBO, short for Liquor Control Board of Ontario.

[billybek]

We had the ALCB. I guess it still exists, but the stores have been privatized.
Once we had to line up a Christmas time outside the store in winter weather because they couldn't handle the business.
Now we don't.
It was actually part of the alphabet in Alberta.
A L C B U I C O O I C R C M P.

[Super_Dave_D]

Growing up in Va it was ABC store

Now its the Winn Dixie grocery store a mile from the house.

[MBAtarga]

I know them as liquor stores.

I've heard of ABC = Adult Beverage Center?

[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by Super_Dave_D

Growing up in Va it was ABC store

Yup.

I'm not a big drinker so I'm rarely in there. I always get a weird feeling when I'm in there since it's run by the state. I prefer my vices and the government are mutually exclusive.

[Jagshund]

I think ABC in AL stands for Alabama Beverage Control. Here in GA we are all enlightened and do not need the devil's drink to alter our brain chemistry. We have moved on to a divine substance called Meth to do it for us. And, as a bonus, it's harmless.

But if we weren't so perfect, I suppose we'd call it a liquor store.

[Schumi]

Liqqa Sto.

[tcar]

Heard them called Package Stores in both NM and CO. All are privately owned.