At this time, purchasing alcohol from a store in Texas is largely dependent on the store’s location and type. For example, package stores, distributors, and certain supermarkets are currently allowed to sell alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption, whereas bars, restaurants, and other retail locations remain closed or restricted due to COVID-19 safety regulations.
If you are planning to purchase alcohol, it is necessary to review the regulations in place in each locality prior to visiting as some counties in Texas require a food purchase when buying alcohol and may even limit purchases to a certain quantity during your visit.
Additionally, Texas has placed limitations on the sale of alcoholic beverages during certain hours, so you may need to plan your purchase accordingly.
What time can you buy alcohol in Texas today?
You can purchase alcohol for off-premises consumption in Texas today between 7 a. m. and midnight in most areas. Known as a blue law, the specific hours of sale for liquor establishments are typically governed by the local jurisdiction or by the Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
Certain holiday restrictions also apply, such as state and local laws which restrict the sale of alcohol completely on Christmas and New Year’s day. There may also be a “blackout” period of time whereby alcohol may not be sold on Election Day and other select holidays.
Additionally, any county that has opted for “dry” status will not allow the sale of alcohol within its borders.
At what time can I buy beer in Texas?
In Texas, you can buy beer every day from 7am to 12am. Additionally, depending on the city, some stores may be able to sell beer at any time, 24 hours a day. The legal drinking age in Texas must be observed, which is 21 years of age.
If you are over 21 years of age and wish to purchase beer for consumption outside of a restaurant or bar, you must present a valid form of identification. Furthermore, there are certain locations, such as County Line Beer Distributors or grocery stores that have stricter hours, such as 10am to 10pm, for buying beer.
Is the blue law still in effect in Texas?
Yes, the blue law is still in effect in Texas. Also known as the Sunday Closing Law, the blue law prohibits certain types of businesses from operating on Sundays. This includes businesses that primarily sell alcohol, furniture and vehicles.
Additionally, it prohibits businesses from conducting certain types of business activities, such as delivering pizza or carrying out repairs, on Sundays. This law has been in effect in Texas since the late 1800s, and is largely enforced by local communities and cities.
While the law is sometimes challenged or modified, it is still in effect.
Can you buy beer before noon on Sunday in Texas?
No, it is not legal to buy beer before noon on Sunday in Texas. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code (TABC) only allows the sale of alcoholic beverages to the public on Sunday between 12 pm and 1 am. This regulation applies to beer, wine, and liquor at both on and off-premise sales locations, such as liquor stores, grocery stores, and restaurants.
Any businesses found in violation of this rule may face fines and suspension or revocation of their alcohol license.
In addition to the TABC stipulations, some local municipalities within Texas also restrict the sale of alcohol. Some counties might allow for the sale as early as 10 am on Sundays, while others don’t allow any sales on Sunday before noon.
Therefore, those wishing to purchase beer on Sunday in Texas are advised to check their local county regulations to determine the earliest time it can be purchased.
Why are liquor stores closed on Sundays in Texas?
In Texas, liquor stores are closed on Sundays due to the state’s alcohol regulations. Texas law states that no one can purchase, sell, or consume alcoholic beverages on Sunday without a permit. This law, known as the Blue Law, has been in place since the mid-20th century.
Many say that its origin is religious, as laws like this were created in the United States to honor the Sabbath Day. Other states, such as Virginia, still have similar restrictions in place. Additionally, in some states like Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, state laws prohibit liquor stores from opening before noon on Sunday.
For years, Texas legislators have debated the repeal of the Blue Law. More recently, there have been efforts to change it, as some people say a repeal would help generate more money for the state. Although the law has not been repealed, there are some exceptions that allow the sale of alcohol on Sundays.
This includes wine tastings, grocery stores selling beer and wine, and restaurants with alcoholic drinks. As this debate continues, it will be important to understand that, for now, alcohol sales are restricted on Sundays in Texas.
Can bars in Texas sell alcohol to go?
Yes, bars in Texas are allowed to sell alcohol to go. This includes alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine that can be ordered and picked up from the designated take-out window of the establishment.
In order to do so, the bar must be in compliance with all applicable TABC laws and regulations, including obtaining a permit for the sale of alcoholic beverages to go. Additionally, all alcohol provided to-go must be packaged in factory-sealed containers along with any non-alcoholic accompaniments, like mixers and limes.
Finally, under Texas alcoholic beverage code, customers must be 21 years old or older to purchase alcoholic beverages to-go, and must provide a valid form of identification when purchasing the beverages.
What is the new alcohol law in Texas?
The new alcohol law in Texas is actually a package of bills that was passed during the 87th Legislative Session and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott in June of 2021. This new law included a number of significant changes, including increased availability of to-go cocktails, lowered taxes and fees on craft spirits, increased hours of operation for on-premises sales, lowered limitations on production at distilleries, and the ability for distilleries to self-distribute their products.
The most notable change is the ability for bars and restaurants to sell to-go cocktails, something previously not allowed. These to-go cocktails must be packaged in a sealed container, with the purchaser being someone 21 years of age or older with valid identification.
The containers must also clearly identify what type of alcohol is in the package, as well as provide important health and safety labeling, such as warnings against mixing alcoholic beverages with certain medications or activities.
Additionally, the new law lowers taxes and fees paid by craft spirits producers, making it easier for craft spirits producers to distribute their products in Texas. It also allows for distilleries to open for longer hours for on-premises sales and lowers some of the current limitations on distilleries’ production.
Finally, the new law allows distilleries to self-distribute their products, as opposed to being required to go through a wholesaler.
Overall, the new alcohol law in Texas is designed to help support the state’s craft spirits industry, while also making it easier and more accessible for the public to purchase alcohol.
Can a bar owner drink in their own bar in Texas?
Yes, a bar owner can drink in their own bar in Texas, provided it is legal for patrons to drink alcoholic beverages in the bar. As part of the rules set forth by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, all businesses selling or serving alcohol in Texas must obtain a license.
Furthermore, the TABC permits businesses to “on-premise” alcohol, which means alcohol can be consumed on the premises. This can include the owner or other patrons of the bar. However, the bar must follow state and local laws regarding serving alcohol and make sure that employees serving alcohol receive the proper training on serving age-restricted alcoholic beverages.
The owner should also be aware that, although legal to drink in their own bar, there are certain regulations they must follow to ensure the safety of their staff and patrons, such as not being completely inebriated or serving alcohol after the legal last call for alcohol sales.
Can I take my margarita to go in Texas?
The law in Texas allows you to take an alcoholic drink to go with certain conditions. A person can only take a go cup or container containing an alcoholic beverage away from the premises if it is in an unopened container.
For example, you can buy a pre-mixed margarita from a liquor store to take with you out of the store, but you cannot take a margarita you had at a restaurant away with you. Generally, the sale, consumption, and transportation of an open alcoholic beverage in a vehicle is illegal in Texas.
Can I buy beer right now in Texas?
No, currently, you cannot buy beer in Texas. Alcohol sales are prohibited from midnight Saturday to noon Monday throughout the state; and alcoholic beverage retailers, including liquor stores, may not sell drinkable alcohol between midnight and 10 a. m.
Monday through Saturday. Several counties throughout the state also have their own restrictions, so you may want to check those as well.
Keep in mind, that alcoholic beverages purchased in Texas may only be consumed on the premises where the sale occurred. It is also illegal to possess an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle, even in the passenger area, with certain exceptions.
Does Texas sell alcohol in gas stations?
Yes, Texas does sell alcohol in gas stations. The state has laws that allow the sale of beer, wine and “malt liquor” (otherwise known as malt beverage) in convenience stores and gas stations. These “off-premise” establishments are treated differently than bars, restaurants and other “on-premise” establishments, which are generally allowed to sell only wine and beer.
Off-premise establishments like gas stations also have different license requirements than on-premise establishments and they must adhere to specific restrictions. For instance, off-premise establishments are prohibited from selling alcohol between the hours of 12 a. m.
and 6 a. m. while on-premise establishments can typically sell alcohol until 2 a. m. However, off-premise establishments are allowed to sell alcohol on Sundays, while on-premise establishments are not allowed to sell alcohol until 12:00 p. m.
on Sundays. Furthermore, off-premise establishments are allowed to sell “hard liquor” as defined by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code. This hard liquor includes spirits such as whiskey, rum, vodka and tequila, among others.
How many counties in Texas are dry?
There are currently 110 dry counties in Texas. These dry counties are counties in which the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited. However, even within dry counties, there are still certain districts in which the sale of alcoholic beverages is permitted.
Those districts are typically referred to as “wet districts” and are considered to be “partially wet”, as opposed to entirely wet, as other counties may be. The remaining 206 counties in Texas are considered to be “wet” counties and the sale of alcoholic beverages is allowed in many of them, either entirely or through certain districts.
In total, there are currently 316 counties in Texas.
Can you buy liquor in a grocery store in Texas?
Yes, you can buy liquor in a grocery store in Texas. Liquor, beer and wine are all available in grocery stores located in Texas. Texas is one of many states that allow the sale of alcohol in grocery stores.
Grocery stores in Texas must hold an appropriate permit in order to begin selling alcohol, which is obtained through the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. People aged 21 and over are allowed to buy liquor in grocery stores as long as they also have a government-issued identification with them.
Can a minor sit at a bar in Texas?
In general, it is illegal in Texas for anyone under the age of 21 to sit at a bar. However, exceptions are sometimes made in certain situations. For instance, minors may legally be allowed to enter establishments that serve alcohol if they are accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, spouse that is 18 years of age or older, or certain family members.
Furthermore, a minor may be able to sit at a bar if he or she is on business, but the minor must be supervised at all times by a parent, legal guardian, or spouse. Lastly, note that there are some exceptions in certain municipalities that permit minors to sit at a bar without supervision, provided no alcoholic beverages are served.
