>Is it many US states where such places can't sell liquor? (I know there's some areas with quite strict rules, but was surprised that wasn't explicitly referenced in the article)

[extremely Ron Swanson voice]

Not everyplace can you buy a handle of hard liquor in the CVS like it's Bloomington.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcohol_laws_of_the_United_Sta...

My state only sells liquor at state-run stores. Imagine my surprise when I saw Fireball in airplane bottles at the grocery store. I probably would have bought some if I had been in the market for something awful without a second glance. Turns out its just like cinnamon whiskey flavored malt beverage, I guess like maddog but smaller? Good thing the liquor store is nextdoor.

Here in New York you can only buy liquor & wine (unless it is under a certain alcohol %) at a liquor store. Beer you can buy pretty much anywhere, except, ironically, at liquor stores, which aren't allowed to sell beer.