The End of Connecticut’s Damp Towns?: A Roundup of Recent News

According to state law, Connecticut towns may—by referendum—prohibit the sale of alcohol or allow only certain types of liquor permits. While Connecticut no longer has dry towns, some municipalities, often called “damp towns,” have chosen to limit alcohol-serving establishments. However, damp towns have recently undergone more liberalization. Below, we explain where things stand in 2026.

Bethany

In May 1981, Bethany voted to allow restaurants to serve alcohol, but only wine and beer. In November 2025, 78% of voters voiced their support for allowing liquor as well, ending the town’s “damp” status. The referendum was reportedly spurred by a family-owned Mexican restaurant that wanted to sell margaritas.

Bridgewater

In 2014, Bridgewater voted to allow restaurants to serve alcohol, ending its status as Connecticut’s last dry town. Today Bridgewater is home to one exactly restaurant, Bridgewater Bistro, which serves wine, beer, and cocktails. However, Bridgewater’s small population keeps it below the threshold of eligibility for a package store, as state law allocates one package store permit per 2,500 residents.

Eastford

For 130 years, Eastford was a dry town. In 2005, Eastford began allowing wine and beer sales, but only in full service restaurants with at least 35 seats—nearly double the state's required minimum of 20 seats for restaurant liquor permits. Interestingly, Eastford is one of the only Connecticut towns with no zoning ordinances.

Easton

Unlike the other towns on this list, Easton's alcohol restrictions are not due to referenda, but rather zoning. Easton’s zoning regulations only mention restaurants in the context of “country inns, spas, and wellness facilities,” and the town has no commercial zoning districts. In 2022, Greiser's Market became the first establishment in modern Easton history to sell beer. Farm breweries and wineries are permitted on properties of at least 25 acres by special permit.

Wilton

Though Wilton has a long history of prohibition, alcohol is now readily available in the town. Package stores permits were approved in 2010, and after a push from Twelve Gods, Wilton voted to allow breweries to serve alcohol in 2024. However, Wilton continues to prohibit Grocery Beer permits.

Many motivations have led these Connecticut towns to loosen restrictions in the 21st century. For example, Steve Winter (member of the Bethany’s Economic Development Commission) said he hoped Bethany could become less of a “drive through” town and more of a destination. He also suggested that new sources of revenue could help residents offset their property taxes. In Wilton, we saw a desire to accommodate a successful member of Connecticut’s craft beer scene.

While alcohol service has arrived, standardization has not. Connecticut’s damp towns have only gotten wetter, but municipal rules and weird quirks continue to influence local businesses. Are you interested in obtaining a liquor permit in Connecticut? Contact us, and we’ll navigate the application process, so you can focus on your business.