Current Texas Law Does Not Allow Alcohol To Be Sold Before Noon On Sundays
SAN ANTONIO A new bill signed by Gov. Greg Abbott will allow retailers like grocery and convenience stores to sell beer and wine starting at 10 a.m. on Sundays instead of noon starting Sept. 1.
Abbott signed HB 1518 in May, which relates to the sale of alcohol at hotels, but one of the provisions also expands alcohol sales on Sundays.
Expanded hours for alcohol sales will be from 10 a.m. to midnight on Sundays. Grocery and convenience stores can also sell beer and wine from 7 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday and from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturday night/Sunday morning.
Originally Senate Bill 585 sought to change the hours that alcohol can be sold by retailers but the signing of HB 1518 renders that bill obsolete.
Abbott also signed a bill to permanently allow the sale of alcohol with take-out orders from restaurants. Beer, wine and mixed drinks can be included with food orders. Read more on that here.
The sale of liquor is still prohibited in stores on Sundays but is allowed on other days from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. except on Christmas Day, Thanksgiving Day and New Years Day.
The prohibited sale of liquor on Sundays dates back to 1935 when, according to the Dallas Morning News, the Texas Legislature passed the Texas Liquor Control Act in response to the repeal of Prohibition.
According to the Distilled Spirits Council, 38 states and the District of Columbia allow some form of off-premise retail sales of spirits on Sundays.
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Whats The Earliest You Can Buy Alcohol
Monday through Saturday, the on-premise hours are 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Friday Beer and wine are available for purchase at grocery shops. Wine having an alcoholic content more than 15.5 percent must be sold at state-run outlets. After 1 a.m., the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
Can You Buy Alcohol In Texas On Sunday
The sale or delivery of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on Sundays, as well as between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. on any other day, as well as on New Years, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. According to House Bill 1518, hotel bars are permitted to provide alcoholic beverages to registered guests at any time.
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What Time Can I Buy Beer On Sunday In Texas
Most states have laws regulating the sale of alcohol on Sundays. In Texas, beer can be sold beginning at noon on Sundays.
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission regulates the sale of alcohol in the state. According to the TABC, beer can be sold beginning at noon on Sundays. This applies to both grocery stores and liquor stores.
However, some cities in Texas have ordinances that prohibit the sale of alcohol on Sundays. For example, the City of Dallas prohibits the sale of alcohol from midnight on Saturday to midnight on Sunday. So, if you are in Dallas on a Sunday, you will not be able to buy beer until noon.
The TABC also prohibits the sale of liquor on Sundays. However, this does not apply to liquor stores located in dry counties. A dry county is a county where the sale of alcohol is prohibited. There are currently 32 dry counties in Texas.
What Time Do Stores Start Selling Beer In Texas
Stores in the state of Texas can begin selling beer, wine, and liquor at 7 a.m. Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, the stores must wait until noon. These regulations apply to retail establishments, including convenience stores and grocery stores. The same hours of sales apply to on-premise retail locations, including restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. The laws are different for other types of businesses that provide alcohol sales.
Liquor stores must wait until 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday to sell alcohol, including beer and other alcoholic beverages. These types of retail businesses are not permitted to operate on Sundays. Breweries and wineries that allow on-site consumption can begin selling alcoholic beverages at 8 a.m. Monday through Saturday. They must wait until 10 a.m. on Sundays to begin their sales. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission oversees all laws and regulations concerning alcohol and liquor sales throughout the state.
Special Events
The TABC does allow for the sales of beer, wine, and alcoholic beverages at fairs, festivals, concerts, and certain sporting venues. The sales of these products are allowed beginning at 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday and noon on Sundays. These venues must provide a seating area for consumption to be covered by the legal regulations and standards. No alcoholic beverage sales are allowed at public or parochial school venues intended for the education of prekindergarten to grade 12 students.
Age Verification
Holiday Sales
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What Are The Hours Of Operation For Alcohol Sales In A Bar Restaurant Liquor Or Grocery Store In Texas
Package Store Hours in Texas:Monday through Saturday- 10 am to 9 pm and closed on Sunday. Liquor stores are also closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day. If Christmas Day or New Years Day falls on a Sunday, then the store must close on the following Monday. Note: Liquor stores may also sell beer if they have a license, but the beer sales hours are the same as for liquor
Grocery and Convenience Store Beer & Wine Sale Hours in TexasMonday through Friday 7 am to Midnight. Saturday 7 am to 1 am. Sunday 10 am to 12 Midnight Note: These stores can only sell wine not to exceed 14% alcohol by volume.
Mixed-Beverage Permitees such as bars, pubs Monday to Friday 7 am to Midnight | Saturday 7 am to 1 am | Sunday Noon to Midnight Note: if the business holds a late hours permit, customers may purchase until 2 am every day, However, consumption of the alcohol must end by 2:15 am
Winery Hours to Sell and Serve WineWineries may sell wine to the ultimate consumer for both on and off premises consumption. Wineries may obtain a Winery Festival permit and sell to the ultimate customer at civic or wine festivals, farmers markets, or other special events. The winery hours are: Monday to Saturday 8 am to Midnight. Sunday 10 am to Midnight. and New Years Day Midnight to 2 am. Customers can continue to consume the wine until 2:15 each night with or without a late hours permit if the community has extended hours permits
What Time Can You Buy Beer On Sundays In Texas 2022
Texas lawmakers voted in May 2017 to allow the sale of beer and wine at grocery and convenience stores on Sundays. The bill, which took effect September 1, 2017, allows stores to sell beer and wine from 10 a.m. to midnight on Sundays.
The bill was opposed by some lawmakers and religious groups, who argued that it would lead to more alcohol-related problems. But supporters of the bill said it would give Texans more convenience and allow businesses to compete with neighboring states, which already allow Sunday sales.
In Texas, liquor stores are still closed on Sundays, and restaurants and bars can only sell beer and wine by the glass on Sundays.
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Time Changes In Alcohol Sales
Even more changes to alcohol laws in Texas came after the enter alcohol to-go law. Gov. Abbott signed a bill that states grocery stores may now begin selling alcohol at 10 AM on Sundays. Previously, alcohol was not allowed to be sold until 12 AM. Liquor is not included in this bill and is still not available for purchase on Sundays. This is a small change with a potential big impact for Texas laws. Texas still has several remaining blue laws, including the ban on purchasing automobiles on Sunday. Slowly, we see a lot of effort to remove the remaining blue laws that are in place. The hospitality industry has been lobbying to modernize alcohol laws for some time and this the first small step we are sewing towards their goal.
Amendment To Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code
Greg Abbot signed House Bill 1518, the new law in Texas, into law in the fall of 2020. It makes it legal for liquor stores to sell alcoholic beverages before noon on Sundays and makes it easier for them to sell in the evening later that day.
This law makes it easier for liquor store owners and anyone who wants to buy alcohol outside of normal store hours.
But liquor stores arent allowed to be open on Sundays. Still, the House Bill says that some places cant sell alcohol outside before noon on Sunday unless it comes with food.
Even though hotel bars are an exception, most places that sell alcohol are closed on Sundays.
Because of this law, it is now easier to purchase alcohol, but there are some rules about holidays. All liquor stores should be closed on New Years Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, or any temporary events.
But you can find beer at convenience stores open on these days.
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What Time Do They Stop Selling Beer In Texas 2022
In Texas, the legal drinking age is 21, and the sale of alcohol is regulated by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission . As of September 1, 2019, the last call for alcohol sales is 2 a.m. In Texas, the sale of alcohol is prohibited on Sundays, with a few exceptions.
The Texas Legislature passed a bill in May 2019 that would extend the last call for alcohol sales to 3 a.m. The bill is awaiting the governors signature. If the governor signs the bill, it will go into effect on September 1, 2020. If the governor does not sign the bill, the current last call of 2 a.m. will remain in effect.
What Other Locations Can You Buy Beer/wine/liquor
Of course, you can buy beer, wine, and liquor at any liquor store in Texas. Multiple other retailers sell at least some kind of alcohol. The type thats hardest to get a hold of is straight liquor. Essentially, you cant find whiskey, vodka, or any other kind of liquor at any place other than a liquor store.
However, many other places sell beer and wine. You can buy beer and wine at many Texas grocery stores, including H-E-B, the classic Texas grocery store. While the laws still apply, you dont have to go to a liquor store to find the beer and wine you need!
Alcohol in the grocery store is especially lovely if you need alcohol on a Sunday. Even though the liquor stores are closed, you can still find something to drink as long as its the afternoon. Convenience stores and gas stations also have a selection of beers. It is usually pretty limited, however.
Another place to find beer, wine, and liquor is at your local brewery or winery. Of course, you can go and drink some cocktails or beer while youre visiting. However, many breweries, wineries, and even distilleries offer take-home spirits for your parties. If youre into craft brews, this is a great option.
If youre out of local options, its now legal to buy beer and wine online in Texas! However, mailing restrictions apply, and few places offer in-person pickup. The same selling and open hours laws apply as well. While its an improvement, the online liquor business will probably see some growth soon.
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Bills To Allow Liquor Sales On Sunday Unlikely To Pass
Two bills House Bill 2232 and Senate Bill 1013 which would have allowed liquor sales on Sunday were left pending in committee. That means they are very unlikely to become law.
The Boot the Ban lobbying effort to get lawmakers to repeal the Sunday ban on alcohol sales targeted the May 22 NASCAR race in Austin and sponsored the No. 26 car, but their efforts appear to have failed.
Today at @StillATX Whiskey Co.
Sam Hunt May 20, 2021
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What Time Do Texas Gas Stations Stop Selling Beer
As of September 1, 2017, Texas gas stations are no longer allowed to sell beer.
This change was made as a part of a larger bill that also regulated the sale of liquor and wine.
Previously, gas stations were allowed to sell beer until midnight.
However, under the new bill, liquor and wine can only be sold until 11pm, and beer can only be sold until 10pm.
This change was made in order to help reduce drunk driving fatalities.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, in 2016 there were 1,792 drunk driving fatalities in Texas.
This was a 4% increase from the previous year, and it accounted for 43% of all traffic fatalities in the state.
Texas lawmakers hope that the new bill will help to reduce these numbers by making it more difficult for people to buy alcohol late at night.
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Lawmakers Also Passed Alcohol
Earlier this month, lawmakers passed House Bill 1024, which allowed restaurants to continue selling alcohol to-go.
Gov. Greg Abbott signed an executive order in March 2020 allowing restaurants to sell alcohol to-go in an effort to help restaurants struggling without customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. HB 1024 made codified that executive order, making it permanent.
What Was The Blue Law In Texas
A regulation known as the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code , was passed in 1961 to limit Sunday shopping and to ensure that the day was used either for religious purposes or rest and relaxation. It barred the sale of 42 specified commodities, including automobiles, alcoholic beverages, knives, utensils, pans, and even washing machines, among other things.
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Where Can You Buy Beer In Texas
Aside from the local brewery, you can buy beer in Texas at various liquor stores, convenience stores, and gas stations. But you may find straight liquor the hardest to get hold of. Basically, the only place you can buy whiskey, vodka, or any other kind of liquor is at a liquor store.
But you can buy beer and wine in a lot of other places. Many Texas stores sell beer and wine, including the classic Texas grocery store, H-E-B.
What Are Blue Laws
Theyre ridiculous laws now, but back thenand Im talking around the 1800sblue laws were placed so that people would save Sundays for religious values. For example, people wanted you to spend your time at church instead of going out to buy alcohol. But blue laws didnt prohibit the sales of alcohol only, they prohibited the sales of other specific things like cars, knives, pots and pans, etc.
Blue laws in Texas were enacted in 1961 and repealed in 1985. When more and more department stores were being built, these laws became a platform for rebellion. Stores were purposefully selling prohibited items on Sunday to show their displeasures. After all, sales would suffer if people couldnt buy things on Sundays, which is one of the two days people are typically off from work.
Some blue laws remain. Car shops are closed on either Saturday or Sunday, and 2,460 of the liquor stores in Texas are closed on Sunday. Liquor laws from 1891 remained unchanged and seem to have the harshest restrictions. What do I mean by that? Theyre the oldest blue laws out of any blue laws. Wine and beer dont have the same Sunday restrictions as liquor even though all of them contain alcohol.
Wine and beer can be bought at stores and any alcohol can be served at restaurants after noon on Sunday. Texas might be the Lone Star State, but theyre not alone in these types of blue laws. Other states like Georgia and Oklahoma remain unchanged.
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Why Are Texas Alcohol Laws So Complicated
Texas alcohol laws are sometimes referred to as ABC laws or liquor laws, whether you’re specifically talking about liquor, beer, wine, or all three.
Mostly, Texas liquor laws are complicated because they’ve been around for a long time, are regulated at multiple levels, and deal with a large, complex industry. The state passed its first “Blue Laws” in 1935, two years after the end of federal Prohibition. Some counties or municipalities have separate alcohol laws enforced on top of the state laws.
ABC laws have grown and evolved based on the needs and sensibilities of Texans themselves. Over time, that’s made them a complicated mess.
What Time Can You Buy Beer On Sundays In Texas
In Texas, you can buy beer at any time on Sundays.
Texas is one of the few states that allow alcohol sales on Sundays. Beer and other alcoholic beverages can be sold starting at 12:00 a.m. on Sundays.
Many stores and restaurants in Texas sell beer on Sundays. However, some places may choose not to sell beer on Sundays due to the states blue law.
The blue law in Texas prohibits certain activities on Sundays, such as selling certain items like beer, gasoline, and car parts. However, the blue law does not apply to all stores and restaurants.
Some restaurants and stores in Texas are allowed to sell beer on Sundays due to a loophole in the blue law. These places can sell beer if they make more than 50% of their sales from food.
So, if youre looking to buy some beer on a Sunday in Texas, youre in luck. Just make sure you check the hours of your local store or restaurant.
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