Buying Alcohol In Texas: Sunday Shopping Laws Explained

Texas has strict laws regulating the sale of alcohol, which vary depending on the type of alcohol and the day of the week. So, can you buy wine and beer on a Sunday in Texas?

Beer and wine can be purchased from 10 am to midnight on Sundays

Texas has strict laws regarding the sale of alcohol, and these vary depending on the type of alcohol and the day of the week. Beer and wine can be purchased from grocery and convenience stores from 10 am to midnight on Sundays. This change in the law, which came into effect in 2021, has given consumers greater flexibility and has extended the hours during which alcohol can be purchased on Sundays.

Prior to this change, consumers had to wait until noon on Sundays to buy beer or wine from grocery and convenience stores. The new law, HB 1518, was signed by Governor Greg Abbott, and has altered the hours during which beer and wine can be sold on Sundays. It is important to note that these laws do not apply to liquor sales, which are prohibited on Sundays in Texas.

The hours for purchasing alcohol in Texas vary by type and day of the week. From Monday to Friday, liquor can be purchased in stores from 10 am to 9 pm. On Saturdays, the hours for liquor sales are the same, while beer and wine sales are extended in some locations. On Sundays, beer and wine can be purchased from 10 am to midnight, but liquor sales in stores are prohibited. Bars and restaurants, however, are permitted to serve alcoholic drinks after noon on Sundays.

It is worth noting that Texas has a history of "blue laws", which restricted the sale of certain products on consecutive weekend days. These laws were originally enacted in 1961 and included items such as clothing, appliances, and liquor. While many of these laws have since been repealed, restrictions on alcohol and automobile sales remain in place.

Liquor stores are closed on Sundays

In Texas, liquor stores are closed on Sundays. This means that the sale of liquor is prohibited on this day. If you're looking to buy liquor in Texas, you'll need to plan ahead and make your purchases between Monday and Saturday.

Texas has strict regulations when it comes to liquor sales. Liquor stores are only permitted to operate from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday. These timings are enforced by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC).

The restriction on Sunday liquor sales is part of a broader set of laws known as "blue laws". Historically, blue laws were designed to protect Sunday as a day of worship by limiting commercial activities. While many original blue laws have been repealed, Texas still enforces restrictions on alcohol sales, reflecting a continued commitment to limiting alcohol consumption on Sundays.

The prohibition on Sunday liquor sales also extends to specific holidays. Liquor stores are required to remain closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. If any of these holidays fall on a Sunday, the stores must also close on the following Monday.

While liquor stores are closed on Sundays, there are still options for purchasing alcohol on this day. Beer and wine can be bought at grocery and convenience stores from 10 a.m. to midnight. Additionally, bars and restaurants, including those inside hotels, can serve alcoholic beverages on Sundays, but with certain restrictions.

The laws regarding alcohol sales in Texas can be complex and are subject to change. It's always a good idea to stay informed about the latest regulations to ensure compliance and avoid any legal issues.

Alcohol can be served in hotel bars at any time

Texas has strict laws regarding the sale of alcohol, with different rules for different types of alcohol and different days of the week.

Hotel bars in Texas are permitted to serve alcohol to guests at any time of the day. This is a recent change, brought about by Gov. Greg Abbott's signing of HB 1518. The bar must be located inside the hotel and hold the proper permit or license to serve alcohol 24 hours a day. This is an exception to the general rule that alcohol sales are prohibited on Sundays before noon.

Other Alcohol Laws in Texas

Texas has what are known as "blue laws", which prohibit the sale of certain items on consecutive weekend days. The original Texas blue law was enacted in 1961 and restricted the sale of 42 specific items on Saturdays and Sundays. While many of these laws have since been repealed, restrictions on alcohol and car sales remain.

Beer and wine can be purchased from grocery and convenience stores from 10 am to midnight on Sundays. Liquor sales, on the other hand, are prohibited on Sundays, and liquor stores must remain closed. Liquor can only be purchased from Monday to Saturday, from 10 am to 9 pm.

In addition, alcohol sales are not permitted on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's Day. If any of these holidays fall on a Sunday, then liquor stores are required to close on the following Monday.

The hours during which alcohol can be served in bars and restaurants also depend on whether food is being served. On Sundays, bars and restaurants that are not affiliated with a hotel can only serve alcohol from 10 am to noon with the purchase of food, and from noon to midnight without food.

Certain bars and restaurants in Texas can obtain a "late hours" permit, which allows them to serve alcohol until 2 am any night of the week.

During live events at sports venues, festivals, fairs, or concerts, alcohol can be served between 10 am and noon on Sundays, regardless of whether food is being served.

Texas's alcohol laws can be complicated and are regulated at multiple levels, including by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) and local governments.

Alcohol can be served in bars and restaurants from noon to midnight on Sundays

Texas has strict laws regarding the sale of alcohol, and these vary depending on the type of alcohol, the day of the week, and the type of establishment.

Alcohol Sales in Bars and Restaurants

Bars and restaurants with the appropriate permits can serve alcohol from noon to midnight on Sundays. If food is also ordered, this can be extended to 10 am. This also applies to hotel bars serving guests, which can serve alcohol at any time of day.

Alcohol Sales in Grocery and Convenience Stores

Beer and wine can be purchased from grocery and convenience stores from 10 am to midnight on Sundays.

Alcohol Sales in Liquor Stores

Liquor stores are not permitted to operate on Sundays, and this includes wine-only package stores without a beer license. They are also closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. If Christmas or New Year's Day falls on a Sunday, they must also close on the following Monday. During the week, liquor stores can operate from 10 am to 9 pm.

Alcohol Sales at Events

Alcohol can be served at festivals, fairs, concerts, and sports venues from 10 am to noon on Sundays, provided the correct licenses and permits are in place.

Alcohol Delivery and Pickup

Alcohol delivery and pickup are permitted in Texas, with some restrictions. Alcoholic beverages can be delivered or picked up with food orders from establishments holding mixed beverage and private club permits. Alcohol cannot be delivered before 10 am on Sundays.

Alcohol can be served with food from 10 am to noon on Sundays

Texas has strict laws regarding the sale of alcohol, and these vary depending on the type of alcohol and the day of the week.

On Sundays, alcohol can be served with food from 10 am to noon. This applies to bars and restaurants, and alcoholic drinks can be served at any time to hotel guests. Alcohol can also be served without food from noon to midnight.

The law was updated in 2021, allowing for the sale of beer and wine from 10 am on Sundays, a change from the previous start time of noon. This law applies to grocery and convenience stores.

Liquor stores are not allowed to operate on Sundays, and this includes wine-only package stores that do not hold a beer license. These stores must follow the same operating hours as liquor stores and are also closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. If one of these holidays falls on a Sunday, the store must remain closed on the following Monday.

Beer and wine can be served at festivals, fairs, or concerts from 10 am to noon on Sundays, provided the event organizers have the correct licenses and permits.

The sale of alcohol in Texas is governed by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), and the laws are complex and ever-evolving. It is essential to stay up to date with the latest regulations to avoid penalties and fines.

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