In California, alcohol sales stop at 2 a.m. every day. The lawful hours for retail sale of alcoholic beverages are from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. the following day, meaning it is unlawful to sell or purchase alcohol between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. This applies every day of the week, including Sundays, with no additional restrictions on Sunday alcohol sales at the state level, though local jurisdictions may impose some limitations. Selling alcohol outside these hours is considered a misdemeanor.