Houston Beer Buying: Know The Legal Hours

If you're looking to buy beer in Houston, Texas, the hours vary depending on the day of the week and the type of establishment. On weekdays, beer can be purchased from 7:00 a.m. to midnight, and on Saturdays, from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. On Sundays, beer sales are permitted from 10:00 a.m. to midnight in grocery and convenience stores, but packaged beer sales may start at noon. These laws are part of Texas's Blue Laws, which also prohibit the sale of liquor on Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Additionally, alcohol sales to minors are strictly regulated, and public intoxication is considered a criminal offence.

Hours for buying beer in Houston bars and restaurants

In Houston, Texas, the law permits the sale of alcoholic beverages in bars and restaurants between noon and 2:00 a.m. on Sundays, and between 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. from Monday to Saturday. However, some restaurants are allowed to serve alcohol with meals from 10:00 a.m. on Sundays.

During the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Greg Abbott issued a temporary waiver that allowed restaurants to include alcoholic beverages in takeout and delivery orders. This policy required the beverages to be in their original, sealed containers, and customers had to provide valid proof of identity to confirm they were at least 21 years old.

In terms of purchasing alcohol from retailers, there are specific hours to be aware of. The sale of packaged liquor is prohibited on Sundays and can be sold between 10:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. from Monday to Saturday. Packaged beer and wine can be sold from noon to midnight on Sundays, 7:00 a.m. to midnight from Monday to Friday, and 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. on Saturdays.

It's important to note that these hours may be subject to change and exceptions, and it's always a good idea to check the most up-to-date information for the specific dates and locations you're interested in.

Hours for buying beer in Houston stores

In Houston, Texas, the sale of packaged beer and wine is prohibited on Sundays before 10 am and after midnight. On Mondays through Fridays, beer and wine can be sold from 7 am to midnight, and on Saturdays, from 7 am to 1 am.

These hours also apply to liquor stores, gas stations, and supermarkets selling packaged liquor. However, on Sundays, packaged liquor sales are prohibited, and on Mondays through Saturdays, they can only be sold between 10 am and 9 pm.

It's worth noting that there are some exceptions to these rules. For example, on January 2 and December 26, when they fall on a Monday, the sale of packaged liquor is prohibited. Additionally, during the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Greg Abbott issued a temporary waiver allowing restaurants to include alcoholic beverages in takeout and delivery orders, provided they were sealed and the customer was over 21 years old.

Beer delivery in Houston

If you're in Houston and are craving a beer, there are several options for getting one delivered straight to your door.

During the coronavirus pandemic, a temporary waiver was issued by Gov. Greg Abbott that allowed restaurants to include alcohol in takeout and delivery orders. This meant that restaurants like The Burger Joint, The General Public, Dish Society, Goode Company BBQ, Lucky's Pub West, and Molina's Cantina were able to deliver beer with food orders. It is unclear whether this waiver is still in place, but it's worth checking with these restaurants to see if they still offer this service.

There are also several delivery services that operate in Houston and offer a wide range of beer, wine, and spirits. Drizly, for example, partners with 50+ off-premise stores in Houston and promises delivery in 60 minutes or less. Minibar Delivery is another option, connecting you with local store partners to deliver wine, spirits, and beer in as little as 30-60 minutes. Total Wine & More is another delivery service that offers beer, wine, and spirits delivery in Houston, although it is unclear what their delivery times are.

It's important to note that alcohol sales are prohibited on Sundays before 10 am and after midnight, and on Mondays when it falls on January 2 or December 26. Additionally, the sale of packaged liquor is prohibited on Sundays in Houston, Texas.

Beer to-go in Houston

In Houston, Texas, the sale of packaged beer is prohibited on Sundays before noon. On Sundays, packaged beer may be sold between noon and midnight. On Mondays through Fridays, beer may be sold between 7 a.m. and midnight, and between 7 a.m. on Saturday and 1 a.m. on Sunday morning.

However, there are some exceptions to these rules. For example, the sale of packaged beer is prohibited on January 2 and December 26 when these dates fall on a Monday. Additionally, under a temporary waiver issued by Governor Greg Abbott, restaurants were allowed to include alcoholic beverages with takeout and delivery orders during the coronavirus pandemic when dine-in service was prohibited. According to the Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission, all alcohol included in these takeout or delivery orders must be sold in the original container that was sealed by the manufacturer. Customers must also not be intoxicated and must present valid proof of identity, confirming they are at least 21 years old.

• The Burger Joint: offered bottled beer for curbside pickup or delivery via UberEats and DoorDash
• The General Public: offered select beers for $3 for curbside pickup and Favor delivery
• Dish Society: offered beer with food orders at all locations excluding Finn Hall outpost
• Goode Company BBQ: offered beer to-go
• Lucky's Pub West: offered cases of beer, including Karbach brews, for pick-up and delivery daily starting at noon
• Molina's Cantina: offered beer for curbside pickup and delivery

Please note that the information provided may not be up-to-date, and it is always a good idea to check the latest local laws and regulations regarding alcohol sales and consumption.

Buying beer on Sundays in Houston

In Houston, Texas, the sale of packaged beer and wine is prohibited on Sundays before noon. However, after noon, you are permitted to purchase beer and wine from retailers like grocery and convenience stores until midnight.

This law was updated in 2021 when Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 1518, which loosened alcohol restrictions on Sunday mornings. Before this bill was passed, beer and wine could not be sold before noon on Sundays.

During the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Greg Abbott also issued a temporary waiver that allowed restaurants to include alcohol beverages in takeout and delivery orders. This was due to the prohibition of dine-in services. However, all alcohol included in these orders had to be sold in the original container and sealed by the manufacturer.

If you are planning to purchase liquor on a Sunday in Houston, note that it is prohibited. Packaged liquor can only be sold between 10:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday.

If you are looking to purchase beer before noon on a Sunday, you will have to visit a bar or restaurant, where alcoholic beverages may be served with meals from 10:00 a.m.

Frequently asked questions