Can you buy alcohol on Sundays in Massachusetts? Yes, here are the rules

Despite its modern-day reputation as one of the most liberal states in the union, it's no secret that Massachusetts was founded on Puritan ethics.

The Puritans' extreme interpretation of Christianity saw the Crown all too happy to fund an expedition to the New World to found a colony. The result was the Massachusetts Bay Colony, starting from Plymouth Plantation. The rest, as they say, is history. However, despite paving the way in terms of social liberalism, such as legalizing gay marriage, some remnants of our fundamentalist origins can still be found, even in our laws.

Most surprisingly regarding the sale of alcohol on weekends. Specifically, Sunday.

Can you buy alcohol on a Sunday in Massachusetts?

You can buy alcohol on Sunday's in Massachusetts.

But it wasn't that long ago that you couldn't. The ban on Sunday alcohol sales was not lifted until 2004. That being said, there are still restrictions for both package stores and bars or restaurants.

Retail establishments such as package stores, supermarkets or convenience stores, categorized as "off-premises," can determine their own hours on a Sunday, but only between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. (11:30 p.m. on a day before a legal holiday).

Places like bars, restaurants and hotels that serve alcohol, categorized as "on-premises," can't open before noon on Sundays. Certain exceptions apply, depending on what kind of license they have, in which case they may be able to open as early as 10 a.m.

What are Massachusetts 'Blue Laws?'

Massachusetts' "Blue Laws" were meant to enforce the Puritan ideas of a "moral" society. To sure people went to church, laws were passed to prohibit work and business on Sunday, or the "Sabbath." They also covered holidays and the sale of alcohol.

There are still some Blue Laws on the books. The most well-known is that Massachusetts is one of only a handful of states that still prohibits most stores from opening on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.