Buying Beer In Lubbock, Texas: Legal Hours And Availability

In Lubbock, Texas, the sale of packaged liquor is prohibited on Sundays. Beer and wine may be sold between noon and midnight on Sundays, and packaged liquor may be sold from 10 am to 9 pm, Monday to Saturday. Alcohol delivery services like Uber Eats and Minibar Delivery are also available in Lubbock, allowing for at-home delivery of beer, wine, and liquor.

Hours of sale for liquor stores, gas stations, and supermarkets

In Lubbock, Texas, the sale of alcohol is subject to specific regulations that govern the operating hours of liquor stores, gas stations, and supermarkets. These regulations ensure that alcohol is sold within permitted time frames and contribute to the responsible sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages.

For liquor stores in Lubbock, the sale of packaged liquor is prohibited on Sundays. This ban extends to certain holidays, specifically January 2 (when falling on a Monday) and December 26 (when falling on a Monday). On Mondays through Saturdays, packaged liquor sales are permitted between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

As for beer and wine sales in the city, these are allowed during extended hours compared to packaged liquor. On Sundays, beer and wine can be sold from noon to midnight. During the week, Monday through Friday, sales are permitted from 7:00 a.m. to midnight. Saturdays have slightly extended hours, with sales allowed from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.

Gas stations and supermarkets in Lubbock must also adhere to these hours of sale for alcoholic beverages. This ensures that regardless of the type of establishment, alcohol sales are confined to specific times, promoting responsible consumption and aligning with the local regulations.

It is worth noting that while these regulations guide the hours of sale, some establishments may have their own policies regarding the sale of alcohol. Additionally, alcohol delivery services, such as Uber Eats and Minibar Delivery, provide alternative options for purchasing alcohol in Lubbock, offering convenience while adhering to the specified hours of sale.

Hours of sale for bars and restaurants

In Lubbock, Texas, the hours during which alcohol may be served in bars and restaurants vary depending on the day of the week. On Sundays, alcoholic beverages may be served between noon and midnight. From Monday to Friday, alcohol service is permitted from 7:00 a.m. to midnight. On Saturdays, bars and restaurants can serve alcohol from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.

It is important to note that there is an exception for Sunday Brunch. Certain restaurants in Lubbock are allowed to serve alcoholic beverages with meals starting at 10:00 a.m. on Sundays.

These hours of sale for bars and restaurants in Lubbock, Texas, offer flexibility for patrons to enjoy alcoholic beverages with their meals or during extended evenings out, while also maintaining regulations to ensure responsible consumption and service of alcohol.

Alcohol delivery services

In Lubbock, Texas, the sale of packaged liquor is prohibited on Sundays and on 26 December and 2 January (when they fall on a Monday). On the other days, you can buy packaged beer and wine from stores between noon and midnight on Sundays, and from 7 am to midnight from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, you can buy packaged beer and wine from 7 am to 1 am.

If you don't want to go to a store, you can use alcohol delivery services such as Uber Eats, Instacart, and Minibar Delivery. These services can deliver alcohol to your doorstep in as little as 30-60 minutes.

Here's some more information about each service:

Uber Eats

Uber Eats offers alcohol delivery from various restaurants and liquor stores in Lubbock, including Doc's, Walgreens, Raider Liquor 4th Street, Quick Track/LaMa, and Outback Steakhouse. You can track your order and see the estimated delivery time. Uber One members can enjoy $0 delivery fees on all orders.

Instacart

Instacart allows you to shop for beer, wine, liquor, and mixers from local stores in Lubbock, such as Sprouts Farmers Market and United Supermarkets Rapid. You can place your order through their app or website, and they will connect you with a personal shopper in your area. Instacart also offers contactless delivery and ID verification at your doorstep. Delivery fees start at $3.99 for same-day orders over $35.

Minibar Delivery

Minibar Delivery partners with local stores in Lubbock to offer a wide range of wine, liquor, beer, and mixers. You can browse and order through their website or apps, and they will deliver to your door in 30-60 minutes. There is a $5 delivery fee for each order, and tipping is accepted.

Alcohol laws in Lubbock, Texas

Lubbock County, Texas, has a unique set of regulations governing the sale and consumption of alcohol. These laws reflect the region's commitment to balancing public safety with personal liberty.

The History of Lubbock's Alcohol Laws

Lubbock's relationship with alcohol regulation has been complex, with the county's laws evolving over the years to balance moral positions and economic considerations. The history of these laws provides insight into the shifting social and cultural landscape of Texas.

Lubbock County's early legislation on alcohol was influenced by Puritan ideology, which focused on maintaining the sanctity of the Sabbath. These "Blue Laws" prohibited the sale of alcohol on Sundays to keep the day free from distractions. Over time, the movement against alcohol sales fluctuated, and Lubbock, like much of Texas, was designated as a "dry" area, meaning the sale of alcoholic beverages was forbidden.

However, in May 2009, a watershed moment occurred when Lubbock became a "wet" city, marking the end of long-standing restrictions. This change allowed for the sale of packaged alcohol within city limits, no longer requiring residents to travel outside for purchases.

Current Alcohol Regulations in Lubbock

In Lubbock County, the sale of packaged liquor is specifically addressed, with prohibitions in effect on certain holidays like New Year's Day (and the following Monday if it falls on a Sunday), Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and the day after Christmas when it falls on a Monday.

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) enforces the state's alcohol laws, ensuring that establishments adhere to designated hours for selling alcohol. Here are the current alcohol sales regulations in Lubbock:

Weekday and Weekend Sales Hours:

• Weekdays (Monday - Friday): Beer and wine can be sold from 7:00 a.m. to midnight. Liquor sales from package stores are allowed from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Saturday: Sales of beer and wine extend from 7:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m. on Sunday. Liquor sales in package stores must end at 9:00 p.m.
• Sunday: Beer and wine sales may resume at noon and continue until midnight. The sale of packaged liquor is prohibited on Sundays.

Bars and Restaurants:

Alcoholic beverages may be served in bars and restaurants between noon and midnight on Sunday, 7:00 a.m. and midnight Monday through Friday, and 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. on Saturday. However, at certain restaurants, alcoholic beverages may be served with meals starting at 10:00 a.m. on Sundays.

The Impact of Lubbock's Changing Alcohol Laws

The change in Lubbock's alcohol laws has had a notable impact on the community. While some residents welcomed the convenience and the boost to the city's image, others had concerns about giving up control and the potential impact on public safety.

Despite fears, police report no significant increase in alcohol-related issues. The number of DWI arrests and alcohol-related crashes has remained stable or even decreased over the past four years, despite a population growth of about 35,000 people. This can be attributed to factors such as the introduction of ride-sharing services and changing social norms around drinking and driving.

The evolution of Lubbock's alcohol laws showcases the county's efforts to balance public safety and individual freedom while adapting to changing societal norms and business needs.

Beer, wine, and spirits in Lubbock, TX

Beer, wine, and spirits are widely available in Lubbock, TX, although there are some restrictions on purchasing alcohol in the city.

Where to Buy Alcohol in Lubbock

There are several liquor stores in Lubbock, including chain stores such as Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods and Doc's Liquor Store, as well as independent stores like Drinks On Us Liquor and University Liquor #1. Alcohol can also be purchased from supermarkets, gas stations, and even some restaurants.

When to Buy Alcohol in Lubbock

Alcohol sales are prohibited at certain times in Lubbock. The sale of packaged liquor is not allowed on Sundays or on January 2 and December 26 (when these dates fall on a Monday). On other days, packaged liquor sales are permitted between 10 am and 9 pm, while packaged beer and wine can be sold between noon and midnight on Sundays, and from 7 am to midnight Monday through Friday, and 7 am to 1 am on Saturdays. Alcoholic beverages can be served in bars and restaurants from noon to midnight on Sundays and from 7 am to midnight Monday through Friday, and 7 am to 1 am on Saturdays. Some restaurants are licensed to serve alcohol with meals from 10 am on Sundays.

Alcohol Delivery in Lubbock

Alcohol delivery is available in Lubbock through services such as Uber Eats, which offers delivery from various restaurants and liquor stores, including Doc's Liquor Store, Walgreens, Raider Liquor 4th Street, and 19th Street Liquor Beer & Wine.

Frequently asked questions