Nebraska’s alcohol laws reflect a mix of statewide regulations and local control meaning the exact “last call” for buying beer or liquor can vary depending on the city or county. That said, the Nebraska Liquor Control Act lays down general rules for when alcohol sales are prohibited. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Statewide Alcohol Sale Hours
According to Nebraska Revised Statutes § 53-179, which covers “sale or dispensing of alcoholic liquor” (this includes beer):
- It is illegal to sell or dispense alcohol between 1:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. statewide.
- Local governments — either city councils or county boards — can pass ordinances by a two-thirds vote to extend sales up to 2:00 a.m. for either on-premises (bars, restaurants) or off-premises (stores) licenses.
- The law also prohibits sales from 6:00 a.m. on Sunday to 1:00 a.m. on Monday, unless a local ordinance allows otherwise.
- For open containers, licensees may not allow alcohol to remain on premises more than 15 minutes after closing—or later than 6:00 a.m.
These are the broad maximum limits, but local jurisdictions frequently adopt stricter closing times or specific exceptions.
Typical Local Exceptions & Examples
Because local control is strong, different Nebraska cities enforce their own “hours of sale” rules:
- In Franklin, Nebraska, the city ordinance echoes the state law: no alcohol sales between 1:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., but local government may allow sales until 2:00 a.m. with a supermajority vote.
- In Wayne, Nebraska, on-premises (bars, restaurants) are allowed to sell beer and liquor until 2:00 a.m., while off-premises retail sales may end at 1:00 a.m.
- In Central City, beer and wine can be sold off-premises until midnight (12:00 a.m.) on most days, with on-premises service allowed until 1:00 a.m. on Saturday. These local regulations reflect the variation across Nebraska.
Why the Laws Are Structured This Way
- Balance Public Safety and Business Freedom
The statewide prohibition from 1:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. provides a baseline for public safety while allowing local governments to extend sales if their communities choose. - Local Option Matters
By allowing a two-thirds vote to push closing times to 2:00 a.m., Nebraska gives counties and cities flexibility based on local culture, demand, and public safety needs. - Consistent Rule, But Local Variation
While the law is uniform in its core framework, the local ordinances ensure that not all bars and stores operate on the exact same schedule across the state.
Key Take-Aways for Residents and Visitors
- The default “last sale” time for alcohol in Nebraska is 1:00 a.m., under state law.
- Some places may be allowed to sell until 2:00 a.m., but only if their city or county explicitly passed a resolution to extend the hours.
- Sales are also generally prohibited from 6:00 a.m. Sunday to 1:00 a.m. Monday, unless local law allows earlier Sunday sales.
- Licensees must also remove open alcohol containers within 15 minutes after the legal closing time.
Practical Advice
If you’re planning to grab a beer or head to a bar late in Nebraska, check out local city or county ordinances. The statewide law gives a “max cap,” but your city might have stricter rules — or might have chosen to allow later sales. This is especially important if you’re in a more rural area or on a weekend night.
