Is beer to go legal in Texas?

Texas law now allows alcohol to go from restaurants after Gov. Greg Abbott signs bill. House Bill 1024 allows beer, wine and mixed drinks to be included in pickup and delivery food orders, securing a revenue stream made available to restaurants during the pandemic when their dining areas were forced to close.

Can you take a beer to go in Texas?

AUSTIN — Texas law now lets customers and businesses safely enjoy alcohol-to-go options. Temporary waivers to provide relief to businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic have been updated and made permanent, thanks to recent action by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Legislature.

Can you still buy alcohol to go in Texas?

It is legal to take alcoholic beverages into or out of a restaurant/bar that is permitted to sell only beer/wine (no distilled spirits), or an establishment that does not have a permit to sell alcohol.

Can you take wine to go in Texas?

May sell wine to go. Wine must be in unbroken packages (sealed containers).

What is the new beer law in Texas?

In 2021, Texas updated its laws regarding the purchase times for beer and wine on Sundays, moving it from noon to 10 a.m. Meanwhile, liquor stores have permission to operate from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Cheers! Beer to-go law takes effect in Texas

Can you drink a beer while walking down the street in Texas?

Can you walk with an Open Container in Texas? It is legal to drink in public in Texas. There is no statewide law prohibiting public consumption of alcoholic beverages. However, many local jurisdictions have laws prohibiting or curtailing public consumption of alcohol.

Why can't you buy alcohol on Sunday in Texas?

Texas has restricted liquor sales on Sundays since 1935 when the Texas Liquor Control Act was passed in response to the repeal of Prohibition. Bills to allow liquor stores to open on Sundays failed in the past. But the rise in ready-to-drink cocktails might help soften the ban.

What are the new alcohol laws in Texas 2023?

However, 2023 has brought about a change. Recognizing the evolving societal dynamics, the state has extended sales hours. Stores can now start selling beer and wine at 10 am, instead of waiting until noon, aligning Sunday hours more closely with the rest of the week.

Can you drink in an Uber in Texas?

According to the Texas Penal Code, a passenger is allowed to drink and have an open container while in a vehicle used primarily to transport people for compensation like a limo, bus or taxi. This exception does not apply to ride share services like Uber and Lyft, which each have no open container policies.

What is the blue law in Texas?

The Texas blue law, enacted in 1961 and repealed in 1985, prohibited the sale of 42 specific items on consecutive weekend days. Among the 42 banned items were items like cars and liquor, but also items like knives, pots, pans and even washing machines.

What is the new law in Texas about alcohol?

Effective September 1, 2021, restaurants and bars with Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (“TABC”) permits are now statutorily permitted to continue serving mixed drinks and spirits for delivery and to-go, and retailers and brewers may sell, offer for sale, and deliver wine and malt beverages (beer and ale) beginning ...

When was alcohol banned in Texas?

With the ratification of the Eighteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in January 1919, the Texas government quickly followed suit with their prohibition amendment on May 24 of that same year.

Does Texas sell alcohol on Sundays?

Alcohol can be purchased and consumed 7 days a week in Texas. Alcohol is available for in-store purchase beginning at 7 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and beginning at 10 a.m on Sundays. Alcohol is sold until midnight Sunday through Friday, and 1 a.m. Saturday.

Does Texas still have blue laws?

Texas Blue Law

Liquor stores must also be closed on some holidays, and if the holiday falls on a Sunday, liquor stores must remain closed on Monday. The state also restricts Sunday beer and wine consumption by limiting sale hours on Sunday and requiring food to accompany alcohol service before noon.

Can you drink in the backseat in Texas?

Under Texas law, it is illegal to have an open container of alcohol in the passenger area of a vehicle. This includes the glove compartment, center console, or anywhere else that is within reach of the driver or passengers. The only exception to this rule is if the open container is stored in the trunk of the car.

Can you drink alcohol in a public park in Texas?

It is against park rules to drink or display an alcoholic beverage in a public place at any time. All outdoor areas are public in a state park. Also, we cannot sell alcoholic beverages within a state park.

Can a bar owner drink in their own bar in Texas?

According to TABC regulations, per seller/server certification training, no employee is to be drunk inside of the bar they work in, owner included. In the case of an owner or manager being drunk inside the establishment, they can lose their license to sell alcohol for it.

Why do bars close at 2am in Texas?

Bars in Austin are also required, per Texas state law, to close at 2am. There are some dance clubs that stay open after that, but they can't serve alcohol. This means that after last call on 6th Street, thousands of people flood from the bars at once, crowding sidewalks and causing traffic jams.

Can I buy beer on Sunday in Texas?

What time can you buy beer in Texas? Beer and wine can be purchased from grocery and convenience stores from 7 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday, and from 7 a.m. on Saturday to 1 a.m. on Sunday morning.

Why can t you buy liquor on Sunday in Texas 2023?

In 1935, Texas tightened liquor restrictions when it passed the Texas Liquor Control Act which mandated that Lone Star Liquor stores could not open on Sundays. The act, which was a response to the repeal of Prohibition, is still enforced today despite various legislative attempts to modify the act.

Does Walmart sell liquor in Texas?

Texas is the only state in the nation that does not allow publicly traded companies, like Walmart Inc., to obtain liquor permits — but they are allowed to sell beer and wine.

Why do liquor stores close at 9PM in Texas?

Sales of alcohol

Alcohol sales are more stringently regulated. They are prohibited 1) on Sundays, 2) on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day (and when Christmas and New Year's Days are on a Sunday, the prohibition is carried over to the following Monday), and 3) before 10AM and after 9PM on any other day.

Can you buy liquor in grocery stores in Texas?

Texas law has long regulated access to hard liquor. Grocery and convenience stores can sell only wine and beer. For the good stuff (say, tequila or bourbon), you have to head to a proper liquor store, which are closed on Sundays by the state's blue laws.

Where in the US can you drink in public?

In some places and circumstances, public alcohol consumption is accepted. This includes such cities as New Orleans, Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Indianapolis, and Gainesville, Florida, as well as the state of Wisconsin, certain college campuses, and at certain sporting events such as tailgate parties.

Is it illegal to drink in a parked car in Texas?

Yes, in Texas, you can still be charged with an open container violation even if you were parked at the time. The law prohibits any person from having an open container of alcohol in the passenger area of a motor vehicle. Including in the front and back seats, while the vehicle is being operated on a public roadway.