Regulations for Alcoholic Beverages in Texas

Written by Tanya Gonzalez

Alcohol laws in Texas can be complex, posing challenges for establishment owners and workers who must adhere strictly to these regulations. Whether you’re a bartender, liquor store owner or spirits distributor, understanding Texas alcohol laws and beverage regulations is crucial for compliance with state safety statutes.

If you plan on providing liquor or alcohol services in the Lone Star State, you’ll need a thorough grasp of these Texas laws before seeking employment or opening a business.

This guide breaks down essential aspects of alcohol regulation in TX, including training requirements and liquor licensing policies. With a clear understanding of these alcohol regulations, you can serve customers responsibly, prevent alcohol-related incidents and avoid legal issues.

Let's dive into the article to explore Texas beverage regulations in greater detail. Stay tuned as we break down each section, offering practical insights to help you navigate these complex laws with confidence.

The Basics: Texas Beverage Code, TABC & Training Requirements

Like many states, Texas has regulations governing alcohol sales, covering aspects such as who can sell liquor and the times and locations where drinks can be consumed. The official set of laws overseeing all liquor-related matters in the state is known as the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code. This code details everything from permit requirements and sales restrictions to penalties for violations.

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) enforces the code and ensures that servers, managers and establishments follow responsible selling practices. As part of the agency’s recommendations, anyone who pours drinks, serves alcoholic beverages or handles alcohol purchases for off-premises consumption is strongly advised to get a TABC card. This certification is granted after completing a state-approved TABC training program and passing a final exam.

Accredited courses cover everything beverage workers need to know about local statutes, including dram shop laws, how to recognize signs of intoxication, ID verification and ways to safely de-escalate situations involving inebriated patrons.

It’s important to note that while it’s not mandatory, many employers require workers to be TABC-certified as a condition of hire. For anyone planning a long-term career in Texas’ food and beverage sector, the training instills the necessary education regarding safe service and can drastically increase employment opportunities.

Age Restrictions for Serving Alcoholic Beverages

The legal drinking age in Texas is 21, just like the rest of the United States. However, there are a few exceptions:

  • Minors can be served alcohol if a parent, guardian or spouse (who is of legal drinking age) is physically present and gives consent.
  • Individuals under 21 can serve alcohol at establishments as long as they comply with TABC guidelines and complete an approved Alcohol Server Training Program.

While it may seem surprising that minors can legally drink under supervision, Texas takes underage drinking seriously. The state imposes strict penalties upon both minors who are caught consuming alcohol illegally and employees who fail to check customer IDs properly.

Providing alcohol to an unaccompanied minor is a criminal offense that can lead to fines and jail time for the server. The establishment may also have its liquor license revoked.

Texas Alcohol Consumption Laws

Texas has established various alcohol consumption mandates aimed at reducing public disturbances and promoting responsible drinking.

While the consumption of alcohol and liquor is legal in most settings across the state, there are specific restrictions and laws that individuals and establishments must strictly adhere to:

  • Public intoxication is illegal throughout Texas and classified as a Class C misdemeanor, potentially resulting in fines and significant legal consequences for violators.
  • Alcohol drinking laws for public spaces vary significantly in Texas, with some cities permitting open beverage consumption in clearly designated areas, while others ban it completely, reflecting local community standards and regulations.
  • Texas enforces stringent open container laws prohibiting individuals from having an open alcoholic beverage in the driver and passenger areas of vehicles.

Violation of these beverage laws can result in substantial penalties, including fines.

Additionally, certain Texas cities have designated entertainment districts where pedestrians can legally consume liquor and alcohol outdoors, although most municipalities enforce stricter rules. Understanding these local laws and alcohol consumption regulations is crucial to ensuring compliance and avoiding penalties.

Where and When Can You Buy Alcohol in Texas?

Purchase hours vary throughout the state and are based on the type of beverage, establishment and day of the week. Among the most important alcohol sales regulations in Texas to consider are:

General Alcohol Sales Hours

  • Liquor stores can sell alcohol Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. but must remain closed on Sundays.
  • Beer and wine can be purchased Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to midnight, Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to midnight.
  • Bars and restaurants can begin serving alcohol at 10 a.m. if they offer food but must wait until noon if not. They can serve until 2 a.m. in most areas, provided they have the proper permits. Hotel bars are allowed to sell drinks to registered guests 24/7.
  • Alcohol sales are prohibited on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Local Variations

Some counties and cities enforce stricter alcohol laws than the state allows. For example:

  • “Dry counties” prohibit alcohol sales entirely unless the business holds a special permit.
  • Some areas ban liquor stores altogether or enforce earlier closing times.

Due to these variances, alcohol sellers and servers are encouraged to check with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code for specific rules in their areas.

Sunday Restrictions

Sunday alcohol sales are heavily regulated in the state, though the laws have evolved over the years to lessen the impact on businesses. These restrictions date back to centuries-old “blue laws,” which were originally designed to encourage rest and religious observance on Sundays.

Texas liquor store regulations are stricter than those for grocery or convenience stores. This is because hard liquor sales are entirely prohibited on Sundays. While grocery and convenience stores can sell beer and wine on Sundays, liquor retailers must remain closed despite also offering these beverages.

Liquor Licensing in Texas

Selling alcohol legally in Texas requires a permit, but the process isn’t as simple as just filling out a form. It involves multiple steps, including background checks and approval from local authorities.

There are different Texas liquor permits depending on the type of business. Some of the most common ones include:

  • Retail Dealer’s Permit: For grocery stores, gas stations and retailers selling beer and wine for off-premises consumption.
  • Mixed Beverage Permit: Required for restaurants and bars serving liquor.
  • Private Club Permit: Necessary for businesses in "dry" areas that still want to serve alcohol.

Meeting Texas alcohol licensing requirements and getting approved typically takes 30 to 35 days from the application submission date. This timeframe can vary depending on the type of license or permit being sought, so interested businesses should start the process early to avoid delays.

Texas Alcohol Distribution Laws

Texas has a three-tier system for alcohol distribution, meaning that manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers must remain separate. In other words:

  1. Breweries, wineries and distilleries make alcohol
  2. Distributors and wholesalers sell to retailers
  3. Retailers (bars, restaurants, liquor stores, etc.) sell to consumers

This system prevents monopolies and ensures fair pricing, but it also means that businesses can’t buy alcoholic beverages directly from producers — they must go through a licensed distributor.

Evolving Trends in Texas Alcohol Regulations

Texas alcohol regulations and customs are constantly evolving in response to emerging technologies and shifting consumer behavior. For instance, digital IDs are revolutionizing age verification, streamlining the process for both servers and patrons and reducing human error at busy establishments.

Meanwhile, the rise in alcohol delivery services — accelerated by changing lifestyles and recent global events — has prompted lawmakers to reconsider traditional frameworks to ensure safety while embracing convenience.

Additionally, the booming craft distillery movement is reshaping the industry landscape, as small-scale producers push for innovative products and localized branding. Regulatory bodies are adapting their rules to support this creative surge without compromising public safety.

Ultimately, these trends signal a transformative period for Texas' alcohol industry, urging businesses, consumers and regulators alike to stay informed and agile in a market that is as dynamic as it is competitive.

The Takeaway

Completing a TABC certification course is one of the best ways to improve your understanding of Texas liquor laws. Whether selling or serving drinks, staying informed is the key to avoiding fines and ensuring responsible service.

Online programs make it simple for alcohol industry professionals to get the training and knowledge they need to service consumers legally and safely.

For more information on alcohol regulations in Texas, visit the Seller Server Online Texas-Approved Food and Beverage Training page.