The holiday season is in full swing, and for many New Yorkers that means one thing: it's time to stock up on booze. Here's the problem, though; there are some absolutely ridiculous laws in the state if you want to buy the hard stuff.

For locals, many of these regulations have become nuisances that we've grown accustomed to, but for anyone visiting from out-of-state, they can be flat-out frustrating. Let's start with the most famous.

nomadsoulphotos via Canva
nomadsoulphotos via Canva
loading...

Dumb NY Law #1: Stores that Sell Beer Can't Sell Wine & Liquor

When I first walked into a CVS in California, I was absolutely mesmerized. Giant, gleaming bottles of whisky and vodka were there to greet me at the door. I thought I was seeing something wild and unique - a drugstore that sells liquor! - but in fact, New York is the exception to the rule.

SEE ALSO: The Best HV Ice Cream Shops Open this Winter   

New York is one of the only states in the country that separates the sale of beer and the sale of wine & liquor. While grocery stores can sell beer, they can't sell wine and liquor. The same thing goes for liquor stores; they can't sell beer... and it gets even weirder.

pixelfit /WebTechExperts via Canva
pixelfit /WebTechExperts via Canva
loading...

Dumb NY Law #2: Wine & Liquor Stores Can ONLY Sell Wine & Liquor

I was rudely reminded of this absolutely confusing law when I was trying to track down a special almond syrup to make my first Mai Tai. I drove all over town trying to track down the mixer when (I thought) I had a brilliant idea: check the liquor store! Nope.

Not only was I reminded by an employee at a local Newburgh, NY store that it was against the law for them to sell anything non-alcoholic (soda, margarita mix, my special orgeat syrup), but they added insult to injury. "You're not from around here, are you?", they asked. SORRY THAT I FORGOT WE LIVE IN A STATE THAT WILL SELL RUM BUT NOT COKE.

Bill Oxford via Canva
Bill Oxford via Canva
loading...

Dumb NY Law #3: You Can Only Buy Liquor at Certain Hours

The third law that separates us from other states is the time that you can buy liquor. While we thankfully have moved past the total ban of wine & liquor sales on Sundays, special sale hours still exist.

WRRV-WRRB logo
Get our free mobile app

Currently, beer sales are legal 24 hours a day, but wine & liquor is different. Liquor can be sold between 8am and midnight Monday-Saturday and 12pm-9pm on Sundays. A sliver of good news is that a current bill has recently passed in the New York State senate to increase Sunday sale hours to 10am-9pm. Unsurprisingly, liquor isn't the only subject of weird laws in New York...

7 of the Dumbest Laws in New York

These seven things are still considered "breaking the law" in the great state of New York.

17 New Laws in New York You Should Know

The New Year brings with it a host of new laws for Empire State residents. Here are nearly 20 that may impact you in 2022. 

More From WRRV-WRRB