Have you ordered alcohol via Walmart’s grocery delivery service, and now you’re questioning Walmart’s ID policy when you buy alcohol?
If you’re thinking about buying alcohol from Walmart, whether in-store or through their delivery service, it’s comforting to know just what their alcohol policy is.
Here, we explain everything you need to know.
Walmart Alcohol Policy
Walmart only sells alcohol to customers 21 years or older with a valid ID. In most states, customers can use self-checkout to buy alcohol if an employee verifies their ID. Customers can also order alcohol through delivery, though their ID will also be checked.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Walmart sells alcohol to customers 21 years or older with a valid ID.
- You can use a curbside pickup, grocery delivery, and self-checkout services — as long as you can also provide your ID to a Walmart employee.
- Different states may have different policies when it comes to buying alcohol.
If you’re looking for more information about Walmart’s alcohol policy, use this article as a handy guide!
Does Walmart Check the ID of Everyone in a Group When Buying Alcohol?
On average, Walmart will only check the ID of the person buying the alcohol — not everybody who is there with them. For example, you can often buy alcohol with no issue, even if a minor is present.
However, this doesn’t mean that a Walmart employee won’t ask to see a group’s ID.
Let’s say you’re 21 years or older. You’re shopping with minors that look close to being the age of 21 yet aren’t. If a Walmart employee feels that you are illegally buying them alcohol, they may ask to see their ID.
If they find they are not 21, they could have grounds to deny the sale of alcohol.
Every Walmart is different in how they choose to act in these situations. Some stores are stricter than others.
Your state and location may also come into factor here. For example, if your state has many laws trying to limit the sale of alcohol, or minors getting ahold of alcohol, your local Walmart may reflect that.
As a result, if you are with minors when purchasing alcohol, they may ask to see everyone’s IDs. However, if you’re a parent with a young child, you shouldn’t have too much of an issue!
Can You Use Self-Checkout to Buy Alcohol at Walmart?
Yes, you can use the self-checkout aisle to buy alcohol at Walmart. A Walmart employee will just come over and ask to see your ID. They will then put a code into the system to allow you to continue to check out.
You cannot buy alcohol in a self-checkout aisle if you do not show your ID. The system simply won’t allow you to fully check out until an employee helps you out and checks your ID!
Now, there are some states that have made it illegal for alcohol to be purchased in self-checkout aisles. For example, California has made this illegal. You should check with your local laws to see if you can or cannot!
Does Walmart Ask For ID When Buying Alcohol via Grocery Delivery?
If you are looking to buy alcohol in your grocery delivery, you will also have to show your ID before you can receive your order. Often, this will occur as the delivery is being made.
The same thing goes for if you are using Walmart’s curbside pickup service. You can buy alcohol when using this service. However, you also must show your ID to a Walmart employee before you actually get your groceries!
What Is Walmart’s Alcohol Policy on Sundays?
There are some states that have made the sale of alcohol on Sundays illegal. Therefore, you will not be allowed to be able to purchase any alcohol on Sundays.
Other states allow the sale of alcohol, though not in the morning. You must wait until a certain time before you can finally buy it.
And then, there are other states that don’t have any restrictions whatsoever when it comes to the sale of alcohol on Sundays.
Every state has different laws regarding the sale of alcohol, especially on Sundays. Check out your local laws to find out where you stand!
Can You Return Alcohol to Walmart?
Yes, you can return alcohol to Walmart! Walmart accepts returns of alcohol as long as you have your receipt and the return is made within 90 days of purchase. The alcohol must not be opened.
The customer who bought the alcohol must also be the one who returns it. Walmart will check to ensure the IDs match.
You must also return the alcohol to the specific store where you bought it at. You cannot go to another Walmart store and try to return it there.
Conclusion
Walmart’s alcohol policy states that they allow customers over the age of 21, with a valid ID, to purchase alcohol.
If customers are with a group of minors and it appears as if the customer is buying alcohol for them, some stores may ask for the IDs of everyone in the group or deny the sale.
Because states have different laws, check with your Walmart to understand certain restrictions. For example, you can find out from your store if it is illegal to sell alcohol on Sundays.
