Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Wrongful Death, Medical Malpractice, Bad Faith Insurance, Car Accidents, T-Bone Tractor-Trailer Accidents, Dangerous Drugs
Oklahoma made significant changes to its alcohol laws in 2018. These updates gave residents more access to beer and wine in places like grocery and convenience stores. But with this convenience came growing concern from health experts, law enforcement, and safety advocates. More alcohol on the shelves can mean more problems on the roads and in hospitals—especially in cities like Tulsa.
This blog breaks down the new rules, explains what you can and can’t do under the law, and explores how these changes are connected to drunk driving crashes and public health risks in Oklahoma.
On October 1, 2018, Oklahoma rolled out a new set of alcohol laws under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act (Title 37A). These rules replaced older restrictions that limited the strength and sale locations of alcohol. Under the new system, stores with the right license can sell stronger beer and wine more easily, and for longer hours.”
As of October 2018, grocery and convenience stores can sell full-strength beer and wine between 6:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m., seven days a week.
This change was welcomed by many, but it also raised red flags among safety experts and public health officials.
Oklahoma now allows different types of businesses to sell alcohol, but not all stores are treated the same. What you can buy—and where—depends on the kind of store and the product’s alcohol content.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Establishment Type | Beer Sales Allowed | Wine Sales Allowed | Liquor Sales | Operating Hours |
| Grocery/Convenience Store | Yes (refrigerated, >3.2%) | Yes (>15% ABV allowed) | No | 6:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m. |
| Gas Stations | Yes (refrigerated) | Yes (if licensed) | No | 6:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m. |
| Liquor Stores | Yes (refrigerated allowed) | Yes | Yes | 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. Mon–Sat |
Liquor stores can also sell non-alcoholic products, but these items can’t make up more than 20% of their monthly sales. Sunday alcohol sales are permitted in some counties, but not all. Local governments decide whether to allow Sunday sales.
As access to alcohol has expanded, so has concern over impaired driving. Oklahoma already had high rates of binge drinking and liver disease before the law changed. With more alcohol available in more places, there’s the worry that drunk driving crashes could increase, too.
In 2016, Tulsa County recorded 548 alcohol-related crashes and 24 related fatalities—up from 17 in 2015. — AAA Oklahoma.
According to Integris Health, 13% of Oklahoma adults admitted to binge drinking within 30 days. The CDC also ranked Oklahoma 5th in the nation for deaths caused by chronic liver disease.
Drunk driving accidents don’t just affect the person drinking. Innocent drivers, passengers, and pedestrians can be hurt—or worse. And for families dealing with the fallout of these crashes, the impact can last a lifetime.
In Oklahoma, open container laws apply to both drivers and passengers. You cannot have an open can, bottle, or cup of alcohol in the passenger area of a car—even if no one is drinking it.
Under Oklahoma’s open container laws, drivers and passengers are prohibited from having an opened alcoholic beverage in the vehicle. — Oklahoma Statutes Title 47 § 11-902
There are a few exceptions, such as limousines and RVs with living spaces, but this rule covers most everyday vehicles. Public intoxication is also illegal in Oklahoma, and fines and even imprisonment may be imposed as penalties.
Many public safety groups believe the new alcohol laws have created easier paths to misuse. The concern isn’t just about drunk driving but also about long-term health effects, underage drinking, and increased strain on hospitals.
Oklahoma ranked 5th nationwide in chronic liver disease deaths, according to the CDC.
Some cities and counties have explored ways to limit alcohol-related harm, such as stricter local rules, awareness campaigns, or tougher enforcement around high-risk times like holidays and game days.
If you or someone close to you is injured in a crash caused by a drunk driver, you may have legal rights. These cases often involve more than just medical bills—they can impact your job, your emotional well-being, and your family’s future.
Under Oklahoma’s comparative negligence laws, even if more than one party shares fault, you can still seek recompense if you are less than 51% responsible. These cases can be complex, especially when alcohol is involved, which is why many victims choose to speak with a personal injury attorney.
Graves McLain Injury Lawyers has handled many cases involving DUI crashes and fights to hold drunk drivers accountable.
Yes, but it depends on local ordinances. Some counties allow Sunday sales while others don’t. Check with your county’s alcohol board for details.
The legal BAC limit is 0.08% for drivers 21 and older. For commercial drivers, it’s 0.04%. Any amount is illegal for drivers under 21.
No. Open containers are not allowed in the passenger area of a vehicle, even if the driver is sober. Exceptions apply to certain vehicles, such as limos or RVs.
No. Grocery and convenience stores can sell beer and wine but not hard liquor. Liquor sales are restricted to licensed liquor stores.
Repeated DUI offenses carry increasing penalties, including higher fines, longer license suspensions, and potential jail time. Ignition interlock devices may be required.
Seek medical help, report the crash to law enforcement, and consider consulting a personal injury lawyer to explore your legal options.
Oklahoma’s alcohol laws have changed how and where people buy and drink alcohol. While these updates offer more convenience, they’ve also sparked real concerns about public health and safety—especially when it comes to impaired driving.
If a drunk driver injured you or someone you know, it’s essential to understand your rights. Graves McLain Injury Lawyers helps Tulsa residents navigate the legal process after alcohol-related accidents. We handle the legal side so you can focus on recovery.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
