Las Vegas is known as “The City That Never Sleeps,” and when it comes to alcohol, that reputation holds true. Unlike many places in the U.S., Las Vegas (and much of Clark County, Nevada) has very flexible rules for alcohol sales. Whether you’re looking to buy a drink at a store or enjoy a cocktail on the Strip, here’s what you need to know.
State & Local Laws: A Very Permissive Alcohol Regime
In Nevada, there are no statewide restrictions on the hours during which alcohol can be sold: licensed retailers are generally allowed to sell 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
According to LegalClarity, many jurisdictions — including Las Vegas — permit continuous alcohol sales.
- The 2023 Nevada Impaired Assessment Report highlights that “licensed alcohol outlets are permitted to sell alcohol 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
Bars, Casinos & On-Premise Service
One of the most iconic aspects of Las Vegas nightlife is that bars, restaurants, and especially casinos can operate and serve alcohol around the clock.
- According to local Clark County laws, packaged alcohol (bottles, cans) can be sold at any time.
- Bars and restaurants in many parts of Las Vegas are allowed to serve alcohol 24/7 — there’s no universal “last call.”
- However, some sources note that 3:00 a.m. is listed as a “last service” time in some bar-service laws or interpretations.
Because of the way licenses work in Las Vegas — especially for resort hotels and casinos — many places aim for maximum flexibility, allowing patrons to keep enjoying drinks well into the very early morning.
Retail (Store) Sales
If you prefer to buy alcohol to take home:
- Liquor stores, convenience stores, and other licensed retailers in Las Vegas are generally allowed to sell alcohol at any hour, because local ordinances permit continuous sales.
- There are very few restrictions on when these stores must stop selling.
- Changes introduced in state law (such as SB 307) now allow retail liquor stores to deliver alcohol to consumers, but such deliveries must take place during the “normal operating hours” of the retailer.
Why Vegas Has Such Flexible Alcohol Laws
- Tourism-Driven Economy: Las Vegas depends heavily on tourism. Giving casinos, hotels, and bars 24-hour alcohol rights aligns with the city’s “always-on” entertainment model.
- Local Control: Nevada’s liquor laws are very decentralized. Local counties and cities (like Clark County) have primary authority over licensing and hours.
- Casino Licensing: Many casino venues operate under “resort-hotel” liquor licenses, which give them broad flexibility on hours — allowing nonstop alcohol service.
What This Means for Visitors & Locals
- You can buy alcohol from stores at pretty much any time in many parts of Las Vegas — there’s no “cutoff” like in many other U.S. cities.
- Bars and casinos frequently serve 24 hours, so “last call” depends more on the individual venue than on a legal requirement.
- If you want alcohol delivered, some licensed retailers offer it 24/7, but only during their normal business hours, per Nevada law.
Final Thought
While some cities impose strict “last call” rules, Las Vegas is not one of them. Thanks to permissive local liquor licensing and the special status of casinos, alcohol sales continue around the clock — making it possible to enjoy a drink in the middle of the night, whether you’re on the Strip, at a bar, or in a 24/7 store.
