The answer to this question depends on what kind of alcohol you’re looking to buy, and the city/county you are in. Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) regulations and state laws dictate which counties are allowed to allow the sale of alcohol on Christmas Day.
Generally, counties with limited hours for alcohol sales are the only ones that permit it on Christmas Day, and only for certain types of establishments. For example, certain establishments in Travis County, such as convenience stores, are allowed to sell beer and wine on Christmas Day, but liquor sales are prohibited.
In contrast, certain counties, such as Tarrant County, prohibit the sale of alcohol on Christmas Day completely. Furthermore, state liquor and package stores are not allowed to sell any type of alcohol on Christmas Day in Texas, regardless of county.
It is important to bear in mind that cities and counties may have additional regulations or ordinances on top of the TABC regulations. Therefore, if you plan to purchase alcohol on Christmas Day in Texas, we advise that you consult your city and/or county law before doing so, to ensure you remain compliant with the regulations in your area.
What holidays can you not buy alcohol in Texas?
In Texas, the law generally prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages on certain holidays. These are typically Sundays, as well as national holidays including New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Additionally, most cities have also prohibited the sale of alcohol on local holidays such as city/county/municipal elections and local holiday parades. Some cities also prohibit the sale of alcohol on special occasions such as religious celebrations and civic events.
Additionally, some counties have imposed a midnight curfew for the sale of alcoholic beverages on all days of the week. It is important to note that the regulations outlined above may vary depending on the local jurisdiction.
Therefore, it is always best to check with local authorities to find out what the specific laws are regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol in a particular city or county.
Can gas stations sell beer on Christmas in Texas?
No, gas stations in Texas cannot sell beer on Christmas Day. This is because the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code restricts alcohol sales from midnight to noon on Sunday, which includes Christmas Day. This restriction applies to all businesses that sell alcohol including retail stores, bars, restaurants, and gas stations.
The only exception is beer and wine sales from a restaurant that has a valid mixed-beverage permit. In this case, the beverage must be part of a meal and the establishment must fall within certain parameters, such as having at least 10% of its sales from on-site consumption and having a food menu.
Therefore, most gas stations in Texas cannot sell beer on Christmas Day.
When can I buy liquor in Texas?
In Texas, you must be 21 years of age to purchase any alcoholic beverages. Liquor, wine, and beer all fall under this law. It is illegal to purchase alcoholic beverages if you are not 21 and it’s illegal to provide alcohol to anyone under the age of 21.
Texas alcohol laws also regulate when stores can sell liquor. On Sundays, alcoholic beverage sales are limited to certain hours and all liquor stores must remain closed for the day. From Monday to Saturday, stores can sell liquor from 7am-midnight.
For example, caterers, distributors, and other locations with a Mixed Beverage Permit, who have met the necessary requirements, can sell alcohol all throughout the week, including on Sundays.
It’s also important to note that municipalities, counties, and entire towns can choose to prohibit alcohol sales all together, or reduce their hours. It’s best to research these laws before attempting to purchase alcohol in any town.
If you’re planning to purchase alcohol in the state of Texas, you must be 21 or over and make sure you follow the laws and regulations the state have put in place.
Is the blue law still in effect in Texas?
Yes, the blue law is still in effect in Texas. The blue law, also known as a Sunday closing law, is a law that prohibits certain types of activities from taking place on Sundays, such as the operation of stores that sell alcohol, automobiles, and furniture.
The law was first enacted in 1871 and has been periodically revised since then. In Texas, businesses that sell items such as cars, furniture, clothes, books, and electronics are allowed to be open on Sundays, however businesses that sell alcohol and firearms are not allowed to open on Sundays.
Additionally, Texas blue laws also prohibit some other activities on Sundays, such as on-site gambling, games of chance, and certain sporting events.
Can grocery stores sell liquor in Texas?
Yes, grocery stores in Texas are allowed to sell liquor, but they must abide by certain state regulations. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) regulates which products can be sold and which type of stores can sell alcoholic beverages.
As of October 1, 2019, Texas grocery stores are allowed to sell beer, ale, and malt liquor that are not above 8.25%. Additionally, they must sell liquor in non-returnable containers ranging from sixty-four to five hundred milliliters.
Grocery stores can only sell priority products, which are defined as spirits, wine, and malt beverages. Furthermore, any store that sells alcoholic beverages must provide a distinct and separate area for the display and sale of beer, ale, and malt liquor.
It should also be noted that counties and cities in Texas may have their own ordinances in addition to the TABC regulations. As a result, it is smart to check if a specific grocery store is allowed to sell liquor in a certain area before making a purchase.
Can a 18 year old drink with parents in Texas?
In Texas, individuals under the age of 21 are not allowed to possess, consume, or purchase alcoholic beverages. However, there is a legal exception that allows individuals under the age of 21 to possess and consume an alcoholic beverage in the presence of their parents, guardians, or spouses if they are of legal age.
Therefore, an 18 year old can legally drink in the presence of their parents if they are of legal age. It is important to note that this exception only applies when the parents, guardians, or spouses are present and aware of the consumption of the alcoholic beverage.
Additionally, it is illegal for anyone to furnish minors with alcoholic beverages.
What time do gas stations stop selling beer in Texas?
It depends on the gas station and the city/town it is located in. Generally, beer sales in Texas must stop by 12:00 AM. However, many municipalities do restrict sales hours for off-premises alcohol sales, allowing for some counties to stay open until 2:00 AM.
To be sure of the exact time when a gas station must stop selling beer, contact the local Alcoholic Beverage Commission office or the gas station itself to find out the cut-off time.
Does Texas sell alcohol on holidays?
Yes, alcohol is available for sale on holidays in the state of Texas, with some restrictions. All retailers selling alcohol must close, including liquor stores, on Memorial Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
However, there are some exceptions. Retailers may sell alcohol from 7 a. m. to midnight on New Year’s Day. The sale of alcohol is also allowed on Election Day, 6 a. m. to midnight. Furthermore, general businesses may be open and sell beer and wine on Memorial Day and Labor Day, from noon to midnight, as long as the business does not sell for consumption on the premises.
On Sunday, sales of distilled spirits are prohibited in some counties, but most counties allow sales from 12:00 p. m. to 10:00 p. m. Individual cities, however, may have their own regulations.
Why are liquor stores closed on Sundays in Texas?
The state of Texas has a complicated approach to Sunday liquor sales, which dates back to the portions of the Prohibition-era laws that still remain on the books. In particular, a law called the “Blue Law” limits alcohol sales in Texas on Sundays.
This law has been in effect since the late 19th century and is still a major presence throughout the state when it comes to alcohol sales.
However, the Blue Law has gradually been relaxed over the years. It was originally written to apply to all types of alcohol sales on Sunday, prohibiting the sale of beer, wine, spirits, and even nonalcoholic beverages within the period.
But through the years, the Texas state legislature has made allowances for some stores to sell alcohol on Sundays. For example, state-licensed wineries in Texas have been able to sell their alcoholic products on Sundays for about two decades.
In general, the most well-known provision of the Blue Law is the fact that it prevents most liquor stores in the state from conducting business on Sundays. Retail stores like convenience stores, grocery stores, and big-box retailers tend to be open on Sundays, but by and large most liquor stores are closed on that day of the week in Texas.
These laws are associated with local municipalities, so the specifics of which stores are allowed to open on Sundays and what types of products they can sell may vary from city to city.
In general, the Texas state legislature supports the closure of liquor stores on Sundays for religious and moral reasons. The purpose of the law is to provide a day of rest for retail employees and to encourage citizens to focus on spiritual activities rather than consumption of alcoholic beverages.
The legislature does make some exceptions for special occasions and events, such as the annual Easter holiday, July 4th, and New Year’s Eve, which allow certain stores to sell alcohol on certain days of the week.
But in general, Sunday sales of liquor in Texas remain prohibited.
How many counties in Texas are dry?
There are currently a total of 209 counties in Texas, but only 125 of these counties are dry, meaning that the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in those counties. This means that 84 counties in Texas are considered “wet”, meaning that the sale of alcoholic beverages is allowed within them.
There are differences in each county’s regulations determining how and when alcohol sales can take place, so it is important to research the specific county to learn more.
How far does a liquor store have to be from a church in Texas?
In Texas, a liquor store must be located at least 1,000 feet away from any church, public or private school, hospital, or orphanage. This is in accordance with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code. Violators of this rule can be subject to fines, license suspension, and even the revocation of their alcohol license.
This law is enforced by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
Also, as of July 29, 2019, Texas has introduced a new rule that requires all liquor stores within 2,500 feet of any residential subdivision to be enclosed, within a 1,000 foot-radius, by a fence or wall, which must be at least 8 feet in height.
This policy is intended to ensure the safety and security of people, children, and pets that live near the liquor store.
The state of Texas takes liquor store regulations seriously, and all stores selling alcohol must be aware of their respective state laws, as well as changes that may be put in place in the future. That being said, it is important that all liquor stores do their due diligence by educating themselves on their state laws, so they can ensure they are in compliance.
