Buying Beer In Lufkin, Texas: What You Need To Know

Lufkin, Texas, has had prohibition laws in place since 1936, a year after the repeal of prohibition across the rest of the state. In 2006, voters passed legislation that allowed the sale of beer and wine in stores, and the sale of mixed drinks in restaurants. However, hard liquor and spirits are still forbidden. This makes Angelina County, where Lufkin is located, a 'moist' county. While beer can be purchased in stores, those looking for spirits will need to travel to the nearby 'wet' county of Nacogdoches, where they will find Zipps Liquor.

Lufkin, TX is a 'moist' county

Lufkin, Texas, is a "moist" county, a term used to describe a locality that falls somewhere between a "wet" and a "dry" county when it comes to alcohol laws. While Lufkin had maintained prohibition laws for decades, in 2006, voters passed legislation that allowed the sale of beer and wine in stores and the sale of mixed drinks in restaurants. This means that while you can buy a six-pack of beer or a couple of bottles of wine at some stores in Lufkin, the sale of hard liquor and spirits is still forbidden. This makes Angelina County, where Lufkin is located, a "moist" county.

The relaxation of alcohol laws in Lufkin can be attributed to the demands of voters, who wanted the convenience of being able to purchase beer and wine at local stores. However, the county still retains some prohibition-era restrictions, making it challenging for those looking to buy liquor or hard alcohol for mixed drinks at home or for special occasions. This has resulted in a "moist" county classification, which is a unique situation for a place that was dry for such a long time.

The absence of liquor stores in Lufkin means that residents must travel to a nearby county, such as Nacogdoches, to purchase spirits and hard alcohol. Zipps Liquor in Nacogdoches is a popular option, located just 20 miles from the center of Lufkin and offering a wide range of alcoholic beverages. This store serves the surrounding communities, providing rural residents with the same variety and options typically found in larger cities.

The classification of Lufkin as a "moist" county is an interesting example of how local communities can shape alcohol regulations to meet their specific needs and preferences. While the sale of beer and wine is now permitted, the county has retained some restrictions on harder forms of alcohol, reflecting a balanced approach to alcohol availability and access. This situation is not unique to Lufkin, as there are several other "moist" counties across the United States that have similar regulations in place.

Wet vs. dry counties

In the United States, counties are categorised as either 'wet' or 'dry', depending on whether they permit the sale of alcoholic beverages. Wet counties allow the sale of alcohol, while dry counties prohibit it. Most counties in the United States are considered wet. However, there are dozens of dry counties across the country, particularly in the South.

Dry counties were established a long time ago, and it used to be much harder to travel to the next county to buy alcohol. While it may now seem pointless to have dry counties when people can simply drive to the next county to purchase alcohol, this was not the case when these laws were established. In the past, there was lower population density, fewer stores, and no cars, so accessing alcohol was much more challenging.

Some states, like Kansas and Tennessee, are entirely dry by default, meaning counties must specifically authorise the sale of alcohol for it to be legal. Other states, like Texas, allow local jurisdictions to decide whether they are wet or dry.

The sale of alcohol in wet and dry counties is not just limited to stores; it also applies to bars and restaurants. In a dry county, you won't be able to buy alcohol at all, including at bars. In a wet county, you can purchase alcohol at stores, bars, and restaurants.

Lufkin, Texas, is an interesting case because it falls into a 'moist' county category. While it is technically part of a dry county, Angelina County, the laws have been relaxed to allow the sale of beer and wine, but not hard liquor. So, while you can buy a six-pack of beer or a couple of bottles of wine at some stores in Lufkin, you cannot legally buy liquor anywhere in the county.

To purchase liquor, residents of Lufkin would need to travel to a nearby wet county, like Nacogdoches County, which is less than a 30-minute drive away and offers a variety of liquor options.

Where to buy alcohol in Lufkin, TX

Lufkin, Texas, is located in a ''moist' county, which means that while you can buy beer and wine from local stores, the sale of hard liquor and spirits is forbidden. This means that you won't find any liquor stores in Lufkin, but there are stores that sell beer and wine, including:

• Beer Store Lufkin
• J D's Liquor Store

If you're looking for a wider selection of beer and wine, or if you want to purchase spirits, you'll need to travel to a nearby ''wet' county that permits the sale of hard alcohol. Fortunately, Lufkin is less than 20 miles away from the renowned Zipps Liquor store in Nacogdoches, which stocks beer, wine, spirits, and more. Zipps Liquor is conveniently located at 9844 US-59 Highway going Southbound and offers a drive-thru option for quick and efficient shopping.

So, while you can buy alcohol in Lufkin, TX, your options are limited to beer and wine from local stores. For a greater variety and access to spirits, a short drive to Zipps Liquor in Nacogdoches is your best bet.

Liquor stores in Lufkin, TX

Lufkin, Texas is a quaint town on the eastern side of the state, just northeast of Houston. While it has a bustling population and amenities like the Pines Theater, the Museum of East Texas, and the Naranjo Museum of Natural History, Lufkin does not have any liquor stores within the town. This is because Lufkin is located in a ''moist' county, where the sale of hard liquor and spirits is forbidden, but beer and wine are allowed to be sold in stores.

However, for those seeking a wider selection of alcoholic beverages, there is a renowned liquor store just a short distance away in the adjacent county. Zipps Liquor in Nacogdoches is only about 20 miles from the center of Lufkin, and with good traffic, it's less than a 30-minute drive.

Zipps Liquor in Nacogdoches serves the surrounding communities, including Lufkin, that don't have local liquor stores. They offer a vast selection of beers, wines, spirits, and mixers, providing rural residents with the same variety and options as those in larger cities. The store is located at 9844 US-59 Highway going Southbound, just down the road from Marmentires. It boasts a well-maintained facade, a clean and welcoming interior, and a knowledgeable staff ready to assist customers in finding their desired drinks.

In addition to its extensive selection, Zipps Liquor also provides unparalleled convenience with its drive-thru option, ensuring customers can get their beverages quickly and efficiently. The store is open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, making it easy for customers to stop by at their convenience.

So, while there are no liquor stores directly in Lufkin, TX, Zipps Liquor in Nacogdoches is a convenient and comprehensive option for all your alcoholic beverage needs.

Beer distributors in Lufkin, TX

Lufkin, Texas, is a unique town when it comes to alcohol laws. For decades, it maintained prohibition laws, but in 2006, voters passed legislation allowing the sale of beer and wine in stores and the sale of mixed drinks in restaurants. However, residents still cannot purchase hard liquor anywhere in the town. This makes Angelina County, where Lufkin is located, a "moist" county—neither fully "wet" nor fully "dry."

While there may not be any liquor stores in Lufkin itself, there are a few beer distributors and breweries in and around the town:

• Giglio Distributing Company: Located in nearby Nacogdoches, TX, they are a wholesale and manufacturer of beer and ale.
• R & K Distributors Inc: Also in Nacogdoches, they are another wholesale and manufacturer of beer and ale, with wheelchair-accessible facilities.
• Holloman Distribg Co: A beer and ale wholesale and manufacturer, their exact location is not specified.
• Stevenson Beer Distrib Co: Located in Lufkin, they are a distributing service that is wheelchair accessible.
• Big Thicket Brewery: This local brewery is situated on West Shepherd Ave. in Lufkin and can be contacted by phone.
• Rusty Axe Brewing Co: Lufkin's first and only craft brewery, located in downtown Lufkin. They offer a wide selection of unique craft beers and bites, with an American bistro and a brewpub on site.

While these options provide beer distribution and sales within Lufkin, residents seeking a wider selection of alcoholic beverages, including hard liquor, will still need to travel outside the city to a "wet" county.

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