Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers

Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Vaccine Injuries

In October 2018, Oklahoma officially restructured its alcohol laws through the passing of State Question 792. This marked a significant change in how beer, wine, and spirits are sold across the State. The law allowed stronger alcoholic beverages to be sold in more retail locations and permitted refrigeration of products that were previously kept warm by law.

For many Oklahoma residents, this meant more convenience. But for public safety advocates and legal professionals, it also raised questions about drunk driving risks and the responsibility that comes with increased access.

This article breaks down the changes to the law, explains why they matter, and outlines what to do if you or someone you care about is affected by impaired driving in Oklahoma.

Understanding State Question 792

Prior to 2018, Oklahoma maintained some of the strictest alcohol laws in the country. Beer sold in most retail stores was limited to 3.2% alcohol by volume (ABV) and had to be stored at room temperature. Liquor stores were the only places you could buy higher-strength beer or wine, and they were not allowed to sell chilled products.

After voters approved State Question 792, these rules were overhauled. Liquor laws were updated to bring Oklahoma more closely in line with practices in neighboring states.

Now, stores have more flexibility in the types of alcohol they can sell, and consumers can purchase a wider variety of beverages in more convenient formats.

Oklahoma’s new alcohol laws allow the sale of strong beer and wine—ending the state’s long standing restrictions on low-point beverages. — Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission.

What Changed About Alcohol Sales in Oklahoma?

The most noticeable difference is that more places can now sell stronger drinks, and shoppers can buy cold beer and wine outside of liquor stores. But each store type has different rules.

Changes in Oklahoma Alcohol Sales Before and After SQ 792

Retailer Type

Before Oct 1, 2018

After Oct 1, 2018

Liquor StoresNo refrigeration; ABV restrictionsRefrigerated beer & wine; higher ABV allowed
Grocery Stores3.2% beer only, unrefrigeratedStrong beer & wine allowed; refrigerated OK
Convenience Stores3.2% beer onlyCan sell strong beer & wine; refrigerated OK
Gas Stations3.2% beer onlyCan sell stronger beer; no liquor
Liquor Store ExtrasAlcohol onlyCan sell non-alcoholic goods (limit 20% of monthly sales)

Alcohol Content Limits Now Allowed:

  • Beer: Above 8.99% ABV
  • Wine: Above 15% ABV

The Oklahoma ABLE Commission reminds all licensees and consumers that increased access to alcohol also requires increased responsibility. — Oklahoma ABLE Commission, 2025 Bulletin.

These changes offer more flexibility to both consumers and businesses, but they also come with greater potential for alcohol misuse, particularly impaired driving.

Drunk Driving Trends in Oklahoma

Drunk driving has long been a concern in Oklahoma. The expanded access to alcohol makes it even more important to educate the public and enforce DUI laws.

1.8% of adults in Oklahoma admit to driving after drinking too much, nearly identical to the national average of 1.9%. — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Many of these crashes happen late at night or on weekends. They often involve repeat offenders or drivers with extremely high blood alcohol content. The victims are not always the drivers—typically, they are innocent passengers, pedestrians, or occupants of other vehicles.

Oklahoma DUI Laws: What You Need to Know

Oklahoma law sets clear limits on what qualifies as driving under the influence. For adults 21 and older, a BAC of 0.08% or higher is illegal. For underage drivers, anything over 0.02% can lead to charges.

DUI Penalties in Oklahoma Can Include:

  • Fines from $500 to several thousand dollars
  • License suspension or revocation
  • Mandatory jail time for repeat offenses
  • Probation and alcohol treatment programs
  • Ignition interlock devices on your vehicle

These penalties increase significantly with each repeat offense, Especially if anybody was hurt or killed in the crash. It’s also important to remember that DUI charges are handled in criminal court, whereas injury lawsuits are handled in civil court. Victims of drunk driving crashes may need both types of legal action to achieve justice and financial recovery.

What to Do After a Drunk Driving Crash

If a drunk driver has injured you, the steps you take in the hours and days afterward can have a long-term impact on your recovery—physically, emotionally, and financially.

Steps to Take:

  • Seek medical attention, even if the injuries seem minor at first.
  • Report the crash to law enforcement.
  • Take photos or videos of the scene if it is safe to do so.
  • Get witness contact information.
  • Contact a personal injury lawyer for guidance.

At this point, your focus should be on healing. A lawyer can handle communication with insurance companies and help you determine what your case May be worth based on medical expenses and other Losses, including lost income, pain and suffering, and other costs.

The outcome of your case depends on its unique facts. Past results do not guarantee future results. — Required disclaimer under Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct.

FAQs

What is State Question 792, and why is it important?

State Question 792 modernized Oklahoma’s alcohol laws by allowing the sale of stronger beer and wine, refrigerated alcohol, and non-alcoholic goods in liquor stores. It marked a significant shift from the State’s older low-point beer rules.

Can convenience stores in Oklahoma now sell strong beer and wine?

Yes. Convenience stores can now sell beer above 8.99% ABV and wine above 15% ABV, including refrigerated options.

Has the rate of drunk driving increased since the law changed?

It’s too early to link recent changes to an increase directly, but Oklahoma continues to report over 150 alcohol-impaired crash deaths annually, indicating an ongoing problem.

Are liquor stores in Oklahoma now allowed to sell other products?

Yes. Liquor stores can now sell non-alcoholic products, such as snacks or mixers, as long as these items don’t exceed 20% of their monthly sales.

What should I do if a drunk driver in Oklahoma injures me?

Seek immediate medical care and gather evidence if possible. For more information, consult a personal injury lawyer. Your rights and legal options.

What penalties do Oklahoma drivers face for DUI?

Penalties range from fines and license suspension to jail time and mandatory ignition interlocks, especially for repeat offenses.

Contact Our Firm &
Request a Free Case Review

Conclusion

Oklahoma’s new liquor laws have changed how and where people buy alcohol, but they haven’t changed the dangers of drunk driving. While convenience has improved, so has the responsibility we all share to keep our roads safe.

If someone chooses to drive under the influence and cause harm, they can be held accountable—not only in criminal court but through a civil claim brought by those they injured.

Graves McLain Injury Lawyers understands what victims of drunk driving accidents go through. Our Tulsa legal team helps injury victims navigate their claims, seek compensation, and move forward with their lives. If someone else’s reckless decision has hurt you, we’re here to help you understand your rights and take the following steps toward 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.

  • I knew my auto accident wouldn’t be worth much and they knew it too but worked as if it was a million dollar case and kept me informed hope I never need an attorney again but if I do it’ll be graves mclain I brag on them to everyone

    Margie C

  • The staff is great and super friendly. They helped me get the money I deserved. I would definitely recommend them to everyone!

    CiCi H

  • My orthopedic doctor recommended Graves McLain Injury Lawyers, PLLC, to me following the need for revision hip surgery due to a hip from Stryker that was putting poison into my system. The doctor took care of the hip, and Graves McLain Injury Lawyers, PLLC, took care of the legal case. They were very thorough, professional, courteous, and always ready to answer the questions I had throughout the length of the case. In a word, the entire office is fantastic. I’m sure they were tired of my inquiries on the case’s progress, but they did not show it. They were always willing to respond and were very positive. If I ever have a claim in the future, they will be the first group to whom I reach out.

    Robert S.

Contact Our Firm &
Request a Free Case Review