
As of July 2024, North Carolina law allows airport travellers to buy alcoholic beverages of under 16 ounces from airport establishments to consume in the TSA-screened portion of the terminal while waiting for their flights. Raleigh-Durham International Airport currently permits alcohol sales from 7 a.m., but the airport authority is considering allowing sales from as early as 4:30 a.m. to increase business revenue and improve customer service. Travellers passing through Raleigh-Durham airport can also purchase alcohol from the duty-free store, which is open from 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol sales start time | Currently 7 a.m. but considering moving to 4:30 a.m. |
| Alcohol type | Alcoholic beverages under 16 ounces |
| Alcohol consumption location | Throughout the TSA-screened portion of the terminal |
| Duty-free store timings | 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. |
| Duty-free products | Spirits, fragrances, fashion accessories, cosmetics, confectionery, souvenirs, skincare, sunglasses |
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What You'll Learn

Alcohol sales start time may change from 7 a.m. to 4:30 a.m
Alcohol sales at Raleigh-Durham International Airport may soon start even earlier in the day. Currently, passengers cannot purchase alcohol at the airport until 7 a.m. However, the airport authority is evaluating a proposal to allow alcohol sales from as early as 4:30 a.m.
The proposal to bring forward the start time for alcohol sales is driven by several potential benefits. Firstly, it could boost business revenue and improve customer service. Secondly, it may help concessionaires staff early morning shifts more efficiently due to increased tip income for employees. According to a memo, passengers have expressed a desire for earlier access to alcoholic beverages, and some even wait for the current 7 a.m. start time to purchase drinks.
The change would be particularly relevant for Raleigh-Durham International Airport, which services 62 destinations and sees a high volume of passengers travelling through each day. The airport's duty-free stores, which offer a range of spirits and other products, are open from 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., and an earlier alcohol sales start time could align with these hours.
While the proposal is under consideration, no decision has been made yet on whether to implement it. Should the change be approved, it would mark a significant shift in the airport's policy regarding alcohol sales, providing travellers with an even earlier opportunity to purchase alcoholic beverages.
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Alcohol is sold at duty-free shops
In addition to duty-free shops, alcohol can also be purchased from other establishments within the airport. A recent law change in North Carolina allows airport travellers to buy alcoholic beverages in containers smaller than 16 ounces and consume them in the TSA-screened areas of the terminal while awaiting their flights. This change has been welcomed by delivery services like DoorDash, which noted higher earnings on orders that include alcohol.
Currently, the sale of alcohol at Raleigh-Durham International Airport is permitted from 7 a.m. onwards. However, there is a proposal under consideration to allow alcohol sales to commence earlier, at 4:30 a.m. The proposal suggests that an earlier start time could boost business revenue, enhance customer service, and facilitate staffing for early morning shifts. It aims to meet the expressed desires of passengers who often wait for the current 7 a.m. start time to purchase alcoholic beverages.
The airport's shops offer a diverse range of products to cater to the needs and preferences of all travellers. Along with duty-free shopping, passengers can explore specialty shops featuring local products, confections, and handcrafted items. With their pricing, the airport shops aim to provide savings for travellers' everyday needs. The RDUINSIDER programme and the Red By Dufry app offer additional benefits, providing news, tips, and rewards to travellers shopping at the airport.
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Alcohol can be bought and consumed at the airport terminal
Alcohol can be purchased and consumed at the Raleigh-Durham International Airport. The airport's duty-free store, which carries spirits alongside fragrances, fashion accessories, cosmetics, confectionery, and souvenirs, is open from 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. In addition to duty-free, passengers can also buy alcoholic beverages from other airport establishments and consume them throughout the TSA-screened portion of the terminal while waiting for their flights.
Currently, alcohol sales at Raleigh-Durham International Airport begin at 7 a.m. However, the airport is considering allowing sales to start as early as 4:30 a.m. to increase business revenue, improve customer service, and help concessionaires staff early morning shifts more easily due to increased tip income. The airport has noted that passengers have expressed a desire for earlier alcohol service, and often wait for the current 7 a.m. start time to purchase drinks.
If you are a traveller passing through Raleigh-Durham International Airport, you can make the most of your purchases at the airport stores by using the online purchase service: Reserve & Collect. This service allows you to choose products by your favourite brands online and indicate the pick-up point that best suits your trip itinerary. You can also download the Red By Dufry app to enjoy rewards from day one.
In addition to purchasing alcohol at the airport, North Carolina law also permits the purchase of takeout and delivery cocktails, including at airport terminals. This means that you can buy alcoholic beverages of under 16 ounces from airport establishments and consume them while waiting for your flight.
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Alcohol delivery is available via DoorDash
As of July 2024, North Carolina has legalized the delivery of cocktails and other alcoholic beverages, including to airport terminals. This means that alcohol delivery is available via DoorDash in the Raleigh-Durham area, including to the Raleigh-Durham International Airport.
At the time of writing, Raleigh-Durham International Airport does not allow alcohol sales before 7 a.m. However, the airport authority is considering a proposal to move the serving start time to 4:30 a.m. This proposal is based on the idea that earlier alcohol sales could increase business revenue, improve customer service, and help concessionaires staff early morning shifts more easily. The airport has noted that passengers often express a desire for earlier alcohol service and sometimes wait for the current 7 a.m. start time to purchase drinks.
If you are of legal age and are looking to purchase alcohol through DoorDash delivery, you can do so by downloading the DoorDash app or visiting their website. You will need to create an account and provide your delivery address, as well as payment information. Once your account is set up, you can browse the available alcohol delivery options in your area and place your order.
It is important to consume alcohol responsibly and to follow local laws and regulations regarding alcohol purchase and consumption. Please also be aware of any quantity restrictions or delivery fees that may apply to your order.
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Alcohol discounts must be offered all day
Alcohol is available for purchase at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. The airport's duty-free shops offer a range of spirits and other alcoholic beverages for travellers with national and international destinations. The duty-free store is open from 6 am to 11:30 pm, allowing travellers to make purchases without time constraints.
While alcohol is accessible at Raleigh Airport, there are regulations surrounding its sale. Currently, passengers cannot buy alcohol before 7 am. However, the airport is considering a proposal to start sales earlier, at 4:30 am. This proposal aims to boost business revenue, enhance customer service, and facilitate staffing for early morning shifts.
It's important to note that North Carolina has specific laws regarding alcohol sales. While takeout and delivery cocktails are legalised, including in airport terminals, establishments must adhere to "happy hour" restrictions. Alcohol discounts, as mandated by state law, must be offered all day. This means that while bars and restaurants may offer food specials, any discounts on alcoholic beverages cannot be limited to specific times of the day.
The requirement to offer all-day alcohol discounts is a result of the pandemic-era allowances for to-go and delivery cocktails, which did not significantly boost revenue for bars and restaurants in North Carolina. By mandating all-day discounts, the state ensures that establishments provide consistent savings for customers purchasing alcoholic drinks. This measure is intended to encourage sales and benefit both businesses and consumers.
The Raleigh-Durham International Airport, with its consideration of early morning alcohol sales and adherence to state regulations, showcases its commitment to meeting traveller needs and supporting its commercial partners. By offering extended hours for alcohol sales and complying with discount mandates, the airport strives to create a convenient and appealing environment for travellers while also fostering a positive business climate for its concessionaires.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, alcohol is available for purchase at Raleigh-Durham International Airport.
Currently, passengers cannot purchase alcohol until 7 a.m. However, the airport is considering allowing alcohol sales as early as 4:30 a.m.
Alcoholic beverages under 16 ounces can be bought and consumed in the TSA-screened portion of the terminal while waiting for flights.










































