Thanksgiving Beer Run: Texas Shopping Hours Guide

Texas has a complex set of liquor laws that can be confusing, especially for those who are not from the state. These laws, known as blue laws, prohibit the sale of liquor on Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Beer and wine sales are also restricted to specific hours, which vary depending on the day of the week and the type of establishment. So, if you're planning your holiday festivities or just winding down with a drink, it's important to know the relevant laws to avoid any last-minute stress.

Beer and wine sales timings at retail stores

Texas has specific laws regarding the sale of beer and wine, which vary depending on the day of the week and the type of retailer. These laws are known as "blue laws" and are designed to restrict the sale of certain goods and limit commercial activities on Sundays and holidays.

On Mondays to Fridays, beer and wine can be purchased from retail stores that don't sell liquor, such as convenience and grocery stores, from 7 a.m. to midnight.

On Saturdays, the timings are extended, and sales are allowed from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Sunday morning.

However, on Sundays, the timings are different. Beer and wine sales at these retail stores are permitted from 10 a.m. to midnight.

It is important to note that Texas has strict regulations regarding the sale of liquor. Liquor stores are closed on Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. On the other days, they operate from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Additionally, Texas has specific laws for bars and restaurants. On Sundays, they are only allowed to serve alcohol from 10 a.m. to noon if it is paired with food. If food is not included in the order, alcohol sales can begin at noon.

These laws can be quite complex, and it is always a good idea to check the latest regulations before planning any festivities or events.

Liquor store timings

Texas has a set of complex laws that govern the sale of alcohol, including beer, wine, and liquor. These laws, known as "blue laws", prohibit the sale of liquor on Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Beer and wine sales are also subject to specific restrictions.

Liquor stores in Texas, also known as package stores, are subject to the following operating hours:

• Monday to Saturday: 10 am to 9 pm
• Sundays: Closed
• Thanksgiving Day: Closed
• Christmas Day: Closed
• New Year's Day: Closed
• If Christmas or New Year's Day falls on a Sunday, the stores remain closed on the following Monday.

It is important to note that these timings may vary slightly depending on the county or municipality, as some have separate alcohol laws enforced in addition to state laws.

In addition to the days when liquor stores are mandated to be closed, there are also specific hours when the sale of liquor is prohibited on other days. For example, liquor sales must cease by 9 pm on weekdays and Saturdays.

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) is responsible for enforcing these laws and regulations, and they have the authority to cancel or suspend licenses or permits for any violations of the Alcoholic Beverage Code. The TABC also offers TABC Certification, which is a training program that provides proof of TABC-approved training for employees in the alcohol industry. This certification is valid for two years and must be renewed.

Bars and restaurants timings

Texas has a set of complex liquor laws which can be confusing, especially for those who are not from the state. These laws are regulated by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) and are enforced by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code.

Bars and restaurants in Texas follow a similar schedule to retail stores that don't sell liquor, such as grocery and convenience stores. From Monday to Friday, they can serve alcohol from 7 am to midnight. On Saturdays, they can serve from 7 am to 1 am on Sunday morning.

However, on Sundays, bars and restaurants have different serving times depending on whether food is also ordered. If food is ordered, alcohol can be served from 10 am to noon. If there is no food order, alcohol-only sales begin at noon and continue until midnight.

It's important to note that Texas liquor laws are stricter for certain days. Bars and restaurants, as well as liquor stores, are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. If Christmas or New Year's Day falls on a Sunday, they must remain closed the following Monday.

Additionally, certain bars or restaurants with a "'late hours' permit" can serve alcohol until 2 am any night of the week. Hotel bars also have the flexibility to serve hotel guests at any time of day.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were special provisions for alcohol pickup and delivery from on-premises licensees, which have now been made permanent.

Alcohol sales on Sundays

Texas has a set of complex liquor laws, known as "blue laws", which prohibit the sale of liquor on Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. These laws also impose additional restrictions on beer and wine sales.

Beer and wine sales are permitted in grocery and convenience stores from 10 am to midnight on Sundays. This is an extension from the previous noon start time, allowing for greater flexibility. However, liquor sales are prohibited on Sundays, and liquor stores must remain closed on this day.

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

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) is responsible for enforcing these regulations, and businesses are required to secure the proper licenses to comply with the laws. The state's Safe Harbor Act protects employers from TABC administrative action if an employee sells or serves alcohol to someone underaged or intoxicated, provided certain conditions are met. One critical condition is ensuring that employees have up-to-date and approved training on TABC rules, commonly known as "TABC Certification".

The history of Texas's blue laws dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries within some American colonies. These laws were originally designed to protect Sunday as a day of worship by limiting secular and commercial activities, thus encouraging church attendance. While many of the original blue laws have been repealed, restrictions on alcohol and automobile sales remain.

Texas' alcohol laws

Texas's alcohol laws, also known as ABC laws (short for Alcohol Beverage Control) or liquor laws, can be complicated and vary depending on the type of alcohol and the day of the week. These laws are regulated by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) and are enforced by businesses, which are responsible for securing the proper licenses and ensuring their employees are trained on the relevant rules.

Beer and Wine

Beer and wine can be purchased from retail stores that don't sell liquor, such as convenience stores and grocery stores, from 7:00 am to midnight, Monday through Friday. On Saturdays, sales are extended until 1:00 am on Sunday morning, and on Sundays, sales begin at 10:00 am and continue until midnight.

Bars and restaurants follow a similar schedule, but with a slight variation on Sundays. They can serve alcohol from 10:00 am to noon on Sundays, but only if it is paired with food. If food is not included in the order, alcohol-only sales begin at noon and continue until midnight.

Liquor

Liquor stores have more restricted hours and are closed on Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. On the days they are open (Monday to Saturday), liquor stores can sell alcohol from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm.

On-Premises and Off-Premises Consumption

The hours for alcohol sales also differ depending on whether the alcohol is for consumption on-premises (at bars or restaurants) or off-premises (at convenience stores or grocery stores).

On-premises license or permit holders (bars or restaurants) can serve alcohol from 7:00 am to midnight, Monday through Friday, and from 7:00 am on Saturday until 1:00 am on Sunday. On Sundays, they can serve alcohol from noon to midnight, or from 10:00 am to noon if it is paired with food.

Off-premises license or permit holders (convenience stores or grocery stores) selling beer and wine can do so from 7:00 am to midnight, Monday through Friday, and from 7:00 am on Saturday until 1:00 am on Sunday. On Sundays, they can sell from 10:00 am until midnight.

Additional Considerations

It is important to note that Texas has many different liquor licenses and permits, and each type of business may have slightly different rules. For example, certain bars or restaurants with a "late hours" permit can serve alcohol until 2:00 am any night of the week. Hotel bars can serve registered guests at any time of day, and wineries have their own set of operating hours.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Texas updated its laws to allow for alcohol pickup and delivery from on-premises licensees under certain conditions, and these provisions have since been made permanent.

In summary, while Texas's alcohol laws can be complex, understanding the type of alcohol, the day of the week, and the type of business can help you navigate the legal hours for purchasing and consuming alcohol in the state.

Frequently asked questions