As one of the largest grocery store chains in the Midwest, Cub Foods has been a staple in many communities for decades. With over 80 locations across Minnesota and Illinois, the store offers a wide range of products, from fresh produce to household essentials. However, one question that has been on many customers’ minds is: does Cub Foods sell alcohol? In this article, we will delve into the world of Cub Foods’ beverage options and explore the answer to this question.
A Brief History of Cub Foods
Before we dive into the topic of alcohol sales, let’s take a brief look at the history of Cub Foods. The company was founded in 1968 by Hooley’s Supermarkets, Inc. in Stillwater, Minnesota. The first Cub Foods store was opened with the goal of providing customers with a unique shopping experience that combined the benefits of a warehouse club with the convenience of a traditional grocery store. Over the years, the company has undergone several changes in ownership and has expanded its operations to include locations in Illinois.
Understanding Minnesota’s Liquor Laws
To answer the question of whether Cub Foods sells alcohol, we need to understand the liquor laws in Minnesota. In the state, liquor sales are regulated by the Minnesota Liquor Control Act, which was enacted in 1935. The law requires that all liquor sales be made through licensed retailers, and it imposes certain restrictions on the types of businesses that can sell liquor.
Liquor License Requirements
In Minnesota, businesses that wish to sell liquor must obtain a liquor license from the state. There are several types of liquor licenses, including:
- On-sale license: allows businesses to sell liquor for consumption on the premises
- Off-sale license: allows businesses to sell liquor for consumption off the premises
- Combination license: allows businesses to sell liquor for both on-sale and off-sale consumption
To obtain a liquor license, businesses must meet certain requirements, including:
- Being at least 21 years old
- Being a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- Having a valid Social Security number
- Passing a background check
- Paying the required licensing fee
Does Cub Foods Sell Alcohol?
Now that we have a better understanding of Minnesota’s liquor laws, let’s answer the question: does Cub Foods sell alcohol? The answer is yes, but with some caveats. Cub Foods does sell beer and wine, but the selection may vary depending on the location.
Beer and Wine Selection
Cub Foods offers a wide selection of beer and wine, including domestic and imported brands. The store’s beer selection includes popular brands such as Budweiser, Coors, and Miller, as well as craft beers from local breweries. The wine selection includes a variety of red, white, and sparkling wines from around the world.
Beer and Wine Prices
The prices of beer and wine at Cub Foods vary depending on the location and the type of product. However, the store is known for offering competitive prices on its beverage products. Here are some examples of beer and wine prices at Cub Foods:
| Product | Price |
| — | — |
| Budweiser 12-pack | $10.99 |
| Barefoot Merlot | $6.99 |
| Corona 6-pack | $8.99 |
Why Doesn’t Cub Foods Sell Liquor?
While Cub Foods does sell beer and wine, it does not sell liquor. There are several reasons for this, including:
- Liquor license requirements: as mentioned earlier, businesses that wish to sell liquor must obtain a liquor license from the state. Cub Foods may not have obtained the necessary license to sell liquor.
- Store format: Cub Foods is a grocery store, and its primary focus is on selling food and household essentials. Selling liquor may not be a good fit for the store’s format.
- Competition: the liquor market in Minnesota is highly competitive, with many specialty liquor stores and big-box retailers selling a wide selection of liquor products. Cub Foods may not see a need to enter this market.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cub Foods does sell alcohol, but only beer and wine. The store’s selection of beer and wine is wide and varied, and prices are competitive. However, the store does not sell liquor, likely due to liquor license requirements, store format, and competition. If you’re looking for a convenient place to buy beer and wine, Cub Foods is a good option. However, if you’re looking for a wider selection of liquor products, you may want to consider a specialty liquor store or big-box retailer.
Does Cub Foods Sell Alcohol?
Cub Foods does sell alcohol in some of its locations. However, the availability of alcohol may vary depending on the store location and local laws. Some Cub Foods stores have a liquor section where customers can purchase beer, wine, and spirits.
It’s essential to note that not all Cub Foods locations sell alcohol, so it’s best to call ahead or check the store’s website to confirm availability. Additionally, some stores may have limited hours for liquor sales or specific regulations regarding the types of alcohol that can be sold.
What Types of Alcohol Does Cub Foods Sell?
Cub Foods sells a variety of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits. The selection may vary depending on the store location, but customers can typically find popular brands and types of alcohol. Some stores may also carry specialty or craft beers and wines.
In addition to beer, wine, and spirits, some Cub Foods locations may also sell other types of alcoholic beverages, such as malt beverages or hard seltzers. However, the selection may be limited compared to a dedicated liquor store.
Can I Buy Alcohol Online from Cub Foods?
Cub Foods does offer online shopping with curbside pickup or delivery, but the availability of alcohol for online purchase may vary depending on the store location and local laws. Some stores may allow customers to purchase alcohol online, while others may not.
If alcohol is available for online purchase, customers can typically add it to their online shopping cart and select a pickup or delivery time. However, customers may be required to show identification and sign for the alcohol upon pickup or delivery.
What Are the Hours for Liquor Sales at Cub Foods?
The hours for liquor sales at Cub Foods may vary depending on the store location and local laws. Some stores may have extended hours for liquor sales, while others may have limited hours. It’s best to call ahead or check the store’s website to confirm the hours for liquor sales.
In general, Cub Foods stores that sell liquor typically follow the same hours as the rest of the store. However, some stores may have specific hours for liquor sales, such as limited hours on Sundays or holidays.
Can I Use Digital Coupons for Alcohol Purchases at Cub Foods?
Cub Foods offers digital coupons that customers can use to save money on their purchases. However, digital coupons may not be valid for alcohol purchases. It’s best to check the terms and conditions of the digital coupon to see if it can be used for alcohol.
Some digital coupons may be specifically excluded from use on alcohol purchases, while others may be valid. Customers can check the Cub Foods website or mobile app to see if digital coupons are available for alcohol purchases.
Does Cub Foods Offer Any Discounts or Promotions on Alcohol?
Cub Foods may offer discounts or promotions on alcohol purchases, but these may vary depending on the store location and local laws. Some stores may offer sales or discounts on specific types of alcohol, while others may have loyalty programs that reward customers for their purchases.
Customers can check the Cub Foods website or mobile app to see if any discounts or promotions are available on alcohol purchases. Additionally, customers can sign up for the Cub Foods email newsletter or follow the store on social media to stay informed about upcoming sales and promotions.
Can I Return or Exchange Alcohol Purchases at Cub Foods?
Cub Foods may have specific policies regarding returns or exchanges of alcohol purchases. In general, customers may be able to return or exchange unopened alcohol purchases, but this may vary depending on the store location and local laws.
Customers should check with the store manager or customer service representative to see if returns or exchanges are allowed. Additionally, customers may be required to show identification and provide a receipt for the purchase in order to return or exchange alcohol.