What is the blue law in Texas?

The first Texas blue law, prohibiting working, drinking, horse racing, gambling, and other heathen practices, went into effect in 1863. Since then our blue law has become the state's most celebrated statutory dinosaur.

What was the purpose of the Texas blue law?

The laws were adopted originally for religious reasons, specifically to promote the observance of the Christian day of worship, but since then have come to serve secular purposes as well.

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 is the 42 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The Texas blue law, enacted in 1961 and repealed in 1985, prohibited the sale of 42 specific items on consecutive weekend days.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 was the blue law in Texas 1961?

After a protracted battle over punishing business owners who flouted state law and kept their doors open on Sunday, the Legislature passed what would be its last state “blue law” in 1961, which prohibited the sale of a vast swath of consumer goods on Sunday.

Blue Law History

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.

Why is everything in Texas closed on Sunday?

Blue laws—supposedly named for the color of the paper on which they were once printed—prohibit certain activities and the sale of certain items on Sunday; about half the states have them. As you might expect, liquor is a popular target of such laws, but Texas forbids the sale of 42 other categories of merchandise.

Can you drink on your porch in Texas?

While Texas has no statewide ban on prohibiting public consumption of alcohol, local municipalities can have a say in banning open containers in certain areas. Under Texas Penal Code, an open container refers to any type of cup, bottle or can with alcohol that has been opened, uncorked, unsealed or partially removed.

Is drinking in the front yard illegal in Texas?

Contrary to popular belief, there is no statewide ban prohibiting public consumption of alcohol in Texas, unless you are in a state park or in an area of a city where it has specifically been deemed illegal.

What is the odd law in Texas?

It is required in some cities to purchase a $5 permit before walking around barefoot, in order to avoid the city's code governing “sanitation and appearance.” Texas law prevents hotel guests from shooting buffalo from the window of the room.

Can you drink at a bar on Sunday in Texas?

Even if the location does not hold a TABC permit, guests can't drink alcoholic beverages on the premises all night long. Legal hours of public consumption begin 7 a.m. Monday – Saturday and noon Sunday. Legal hours of public consumption end at 2:15 a.m. if in an extended-hours area.

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.

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.

Did the Texas Blue Law change?

Texas amended the the law that dictates when you can buy beer and wine in stores in Texas in 2021, adjusting the legal purchase time down to 10 a.m. on Sundays from noon. Liquor stores are closed on Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

What counties in Texas are dry?

Those counties are Roberts, up in the Texas Panhandle near Oklahoma; Borden and Kent counties, both southeast of Lubbock; and Throckmorton County, which lies about halfway between Lubbock and Fort Worth.

When did Texas blue laws change?

Originally, Texas placed “blue laws” on 42 items in 1961, banning the sale of certain products on consecutive weekend days such as pots, pans, cars, washing machines and liquor. The law was repealed in 1985.

Can a passenger drink in a car in Texas?

Since Texas is in compliance with the federal TEA-21 standards regarding open containers, passengers may not consume alcohol in a moving vehicle. An open container violation is a Class C misdemeanor, resulting in a fine of up to $500.

Can a bartender drink behind the bar in Texas?

If you've ever spent much time in Texas bars, you've probably seen bartenders take a shot or sip on a beer while they're working. As commonplace as it may be, bartenders cannot drink on the job and this is against Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code policy.

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.

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 on Texas beaches?

Can I have alcohol at the beach event area? Alcohol is not permitted at Stewart Beach. It is, however, allowed at East Beach and Seawolf Park. Absolutely no glass is allowed on any Texas beaches.

Can you drink alcohol in a parked car in Texas?

It is important to note that you do not have to be driving at the time to get a ticket for an open container violation in Texas. You cannot drink in your vehicle, even while parked, without running the risk of getting a citation.

Can you still buy wine on Sunday in Texas?

For grocery and convenience stores, Texas's alcohol sales times for wine are the same as beer: Monday through Friday, 7 am to midnight, Saturday, 7 am to 1 am; and Sundays now, from 10 am to midnight. Aside from grocery or convenience stores, package stores sell beer and wine, not liquor.

What time is beer Sunday in Texas?

No, alcohol is not available for purchase 24 hours a day in Texas. Alcohol sales begin at 7 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m on Sunday. Alcohol can be purchased until midnight Sunday through Friday in Texas, and on Saturday until 1 a.m. (Sunday morning).

Why can't Texas sell cars on Sunday?

Blue laws have been around since before Texas or the United States were founded. Their purpose, originally, was to prohibit the sale of certain goods on Sundays, a day traditionally meant to be spent in church and resting.