Buying Beer In Comal: Sunday Shopping Laws Explained

Texas is one of the few states that allow minors to consume alcohol in the presence of supervising family members. In Texas, beer and wine can be sold from 7:00 a.m. until midnight, Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. on Saturday, and from 10:00 a.m. until midnight on Sunday. Licensed restaurants, bars, and other establishments can serve alcohol for consumption on-premises starting at 10:00 a.m. on Sundays, provided it is served with food, and until 2:00 a.m. every night if the establishment has a late-hours permit.

Beer drinking hours on the Comal River

Beer drinking hours vary depending on where you are in the world. In this case, let's assume you are referring to the Comal River in Texas, which is known for its tubing and drinking culture.

The Comal River has seen some changes in drinking regulations over the years, with a focus on reducing litter from single-use containers. While drinking on the river is still allowed, there is a ban on single-use containers, including cans, plastic bottles, and snack packages. This means that if you plan to drink beer on the Comal River, you will need to bring it in a reusable container, such as a non-glass growler, stainless steel cup, or a keg.

In terms of the hours during which you can drink beer on the Comal River, there do not appear to be any specific time restrictions beyond the standard alcohol consumption laws in Texas, which prohibit alcohol sales from 1:00 am to 7:00 am Monday to Saturday and from midnight to 7:00 am on Sundays. Additionally, alcohol sales are prohibited on Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

However, it is important to note that drinking laws can vary by county and city in Texas, so it is always a good idea to check the specific regulations in your area.

Please note that drinking laws and regulations can change, so it is always a good idea to check for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, remember to drink responsibly and follow all local laws and regulations when consuming alcohol.

Comal in Berkeley, CA

The restaurant is housed in a single-story building dating back to 1927 and features a secluded rear patio with a full bar, a covered dining area, and an al fresco beer garden with a fire pit.

In terms of beer, Comal offers a diverse selection of local beer on tap, as well as an "all-Mexican" list of craft cocktails and a curated collection of agave spirits.

According to California state law, beer can be purchased from licensed locations, including bars, restaurants, and retailers, every day from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. the following day. This includes Sundays, so you can buy beer at Comal during their opening hours of 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays.

Texas alcohol laws

Texas has some unique alcohol laws. Firstly, you must be at least 21 years old to legally consume alcohol in the state, which is in line with all other US states. However, Texas is one of ten states that allow consumption by minors in the presence of supervising family members. In Texas, parents or guardians are responsible for minors under 15 when the minor is in their care, and an adult may provide alcohol to a minor if they are the minor's parent, guardian, or spouse and are visibly present when the minor consumes the drink.

Texas has a mix of "wet", "dry", and "moist" counties." Wet counties are those where all alcoholic beverage sales are legal, while dry counties are the opposite, and moist counties are a mix of both. There are only four completely dry counties in Texas.

Beer and wine can be sold from 7 am until midnight Monday to Friday, 7 am to 1 am on Saturday, and 10 am to midnight on Sunday. Licensed restaurants, bars, and other establishments can serve alcohol for consumption on-premises from 10 am on Sunday if served with food, and until 2 am every night if they have a late-hours permit.

Liquor sales are more restricted. They are prohibited on Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day, and before 10 am and after 9 pm on any other day. Liquor can only be purchased from specific liquor stores, while grocery stores, drug stores, and convenience stores only sell beer and wine. Liquor stores are open from 10 am to 9 pm Monday to Saturday and are closed on Sundays.

In Texas, you cannot buy alcohol after 2 am at drinking establishments, including bars, clubs, and venues. Alcohol cannot be consumed outside of these establishments, and all previously opened containers of alcoholic beverages must be stored and transported in a vehicle's trunk or other secure storage areas.

Texas also has laws regarding the proximity of alcohol sales to schools, churches, and hospitals. Establishments selling alcohol must be at least 300 feet from these institutions, and this distance can be increased to 1000 feet in certain circumstances.

The state also has laws regarding alcohol delivery and pickup, BYOB policies, and employment of minors in establishments serving alcohol.

Can bans on the Comal River

The Comal River in New Braunfels, Texas, has a unique set of rules for river tubing, including a ban on cans and single-use containers. This means that all "throw away" and "one-time-use" drink containers, food packaging, and wrappers are prohibited on the river. The ban was enacted by the City of New Braunfels in response to the large amounts of litter left behind by tubers, which exceeded 100,000 pounds in 2011.

The ban only applies to the Comal River and not to other nearby rivers such as the San Marcos or Guadalupe Rivers. It is enforced by police and park rangers who will issue tickets and citations to violators, with fines of up to $500.

So, what are tubers supposed to do if they want to drink beer or other alcoholic beverages on the Comal River? Well, the good news is that alcohol is still allowed, as long as it is stored and consumed from reusable, non-glass containers. Popular options include plastic beer growlers, flasks, wineskins, thermoses, Tupperware, and stainless-steel cups.

In addition to the can ban, there are several other important rules that tubers should be aware of when floating the Comal River. These include:

• No glass or Styrofoam allowed on the river
• No littering
• No containers under 5 fluid oz
• No volume drinking devices such as beer bongs
• Coolers must be 30 quarts or smaller and have a locking mechanism or clasp
• No jumping from bridges, dams, or trees
• Noise devices must not be audible beyond 50 feet
• Tube size must not exceed five feet in length or width
• Limit of two tubes per person
• Life jackets are recommended for children under 8 years old and weak swimmers

By following these rules, tubers can help keep the Comal River clean and safe for everyone to enjoy.

Alcohol laws by state

In the United States, the 21st Amendment to the US Constitution grants each state and territory the power to regulate intoxicating liquors within their jurisdiction. As such, laws pertaining to the production, sale, distribution, and consumption of alcohol vary significantly across the country.

National Minimum Drinking Age Act

On July 17, 1984, the National Minimum Drinking Age Act was enacted, requiring all states to set a minimum age of 21 for purchasing and possessing alcoholic beverages in public. This led to all 50 states and the District of Columbia adopting a minimum purchase age of 21 by July 1988, with some exceptions and grandfather clauses. However, the act does not restrict drinking or possession of alcohol in private, and some states allow those under 21 to drink for religious or medical purposes or on private non-alcohol-selling premises.

While a comprehensive overview of alcohol laws in each state is beyond the scope of this response, here is a summary of key provisions for a few select states:

• California: In California, the sale of alcohol is generally prohibited between midnight and 7 a.m., although counties can choose to change these hours. For example, in Miami-Dade County, liquor stores may operate 24 hours a day. The minimum drinking age is 21, with exceptions for religious or medical purposes and when under adult supervision.
• Texas: Texas law permits consumption by minors when in the "visible presence" of a parent, guardian, or adult spouse. The sale of alcohol is prohibited on Sundays in liquor stores, and there are also restrictions on alcohol sales on certain holidays. However, there is no state-wide open container law, and no ABV limit for beer sales.
• Colorado: In Colorado, beer can be purchased from retail outlets like grocery stores, convenience stores, and liquor stores from 8 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week. Bars and restaurants can sell beer for on-premises consumption until 2 a.m. The minimum drinking age is 21, and open containers are not allowed inside motor vehicles.
• New Braunfels, Texas: While not a statewide regulation, it is worth noting that the City of New Braunfels has banned single-use containers, including beer cans, for those floating on the Comal River. However, consumption of alcohol from reusable containers is still allowed.

Frequently asked questions