🍺 What Time Do They Stop Selling Beer in Texas? A Complete Guide
Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, game night, or late-night beer run, knowing when beer sales stop in Texas is essential. While Texas has statewide laws, local regulations can add restrictions or extend hours in certain counties.
This guide will break down beer sales times for stores, bars, and restaurants, explain key Texas alcohol laws, and offer expert tips to ensure you never miss last call.
🔑 Key Takeaways: Quick Answers to Texas Beer Sales Laws
📌 What time do grocery & convenience stores stop selling beer?
✔️ Midnight (Monday–Friday), 1:00 AM (Saturday), and Midnight (Sunday).
📌 When do bars & restaurants stop serving beer?
🕛 Midnight (Weekdays), 1:00 AM (Saturday), and 2:00 AM (if they have a late-hour permit).
📌 Can you buy beer on Sundays in Texas?
⚠️ Yes, but only after 10:00 AM.
📌 Do Texas counties have different beer laws?
🏛️ Yes! Some areas are “dry” and ban alcohol sales entirely, while others have extended hours.
📌 Are there special restrictions on holidays?
🎄 Liquor stores close on certain holidays, but beer sales continue as usual at grocery and convenience stores.
🏪 What Time Do Grocery & Convenience Stores Stop Selling Beer?
Texas grocery stores, gas stations, and convenience stores have specific hours for beer sales that vary by day of the week.
📊 Beer Sales Hours for Stores in Texas
| Day 📅 | Start Time 🕖 | End Time 🚫 |
|---|---|---|
| Monday – Friday 🌅 | 7:00 AM | Midnight |
| Saturday 🎉 | 7:00 AM | 1:00 AM (Sunday Morning) |
| Sunday 🏈 | 10:00 AM | Midnight |
💡 Tip: If you’re stocking up for a Sunday event, remember that you can’t buy beer before 10:00 AM!
🍻 When Do Bars & Restaurants Stop Serving Beer in Texas?
If you’re drinking at a bar, restaurant, or brewery, the rules differ slightly from store sales.
📊 Beer Sales Hours for Bars & Restaurants in Texas
| Day 📅 | Start Time 🕖 | End Time (Standard) 🚫 | End Time (With Late-Hour Permit) ⏳ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday – Friday 🍽️ | 7:00 AM | Midnight | 2:00 AM |
| Saturday 🎊 | 7:00 AM | 1:00 AM (Sunday Morning) | 2:00 AM |
| Sunday 🍷 | 10:00 AM | Midnight | 2:00 AM |
💡 Tip: Bars with a “Late Hours Permit” can legally serve until 2:00 AM—check ahead to find locations that stay open later!
🚫 Are There Any Dry Counties in Texas?
Yes! Texas has dry and partially dry counties, meaning some areas restrict alcohol sales entirely or limit when and where it can be purchased.
📊 Dry vs. Wet Counties in Texas
| Type of County 🏛️ | Can You Buy Beer? 🍺 | Example Counties 📍 |
|---|---|---|
| Wet County 🌊 | ✅ Yes, full alcohol sales allowed | Travis, Harris, Dallas |
| Partially Dry County ⚖️ | ⚠️ Limited beer sales, often at certain times or in restaurants only | Bexar, Williamson |
| Dry County 🌵 | ❌ No beer or liquor sales allowed | Fisher, Borden |
💡 Tip: If you’re in a dry county, you’ll need to drive to a neighboring wet county to buy alcohol.
📆 Can You Buy Beer in Texas on Sundays?
Yes, but only after 10:00 AM due to Texas Blue Laws, which historically restricted alcohol sales on Sundays.
📊 Sunday Beer Sales Rules in Texas
| Purchase Location 🏪 | Earliest Sunday Sales Time ⏳ |
|---|---|
| Grocery & Convenience Stores 🛒 | 10:00 AM |
| Bars & Restaurants (With Food Order) 🍽️ | 10:00 AM |
| Bars & Restaurants (No Food Order) 🍻 | Noon |
💡 Tip: Want beer with Sunday brunch? Restaurants can serve alcohol starting at 10:00 AM—just make sure to order food!
🎄 Can You Buy Beer on Holidays in Texas?
Texas liquor laws differ between beer and spirits, and while liquor stores close on some holidays, beer remains available at regular hours.
📊 Texas Holiday Beer Sales Rules
| Holiday 🎉 | Beer Sales Allowed? 🍺 | Liquor Store Status 🛑 |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day 🎆 | ✅ Yes | ❌ Closed |
| Easter Sunday ✝️ | ✅ Yes | ❌ Closed |
| Thanksgiving Day 🦃 | ✅ Yes | ❌ Closed |
| Christmas Day 🎄 | ✅ Yes | ❌ Closed |
💡 Tip: If Christmas or New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday, liquor stores remain closed on Monday. Beer sales are unaffected.
⏳ What Happens If You Try to Buy Beer After Closing Time?
If you attempt to purchase beer after legal hours, expect one of these three things to happen:
📊 What Happens If You Buy Beer Too Late?
| Situation ❌ | What Will Happen? ⚠️ |
|---|---|
| Self-Checkout at Grocery Store 🛒 | The system automatically blocks beer sales after the cutoff time. |
| Cashier at Store Registers Beer 🏪 | The register will display an error message and the employee cannot override it. |
| Trying to Order Beer at a Bar Late 🍻 | The bartender will refuse service unless the location has a late-hour permit. |
💡 Tip: If you’re close to closing time, try using the McDonald’s-style “grab-and-go” approach—pick up your beer early and be at checkout before the cutoff time.
📌 Final Tips for Buying Beer in Texas
- ✔️ If you’re buying beer on Sunday, wait until after 10:00 AM.
- ✔️ Bars with a “Late Hours Permit” can serve until 2:00 AM—check ahead.
- ✔️ Dry counties exist, so research your area before trying to buy.
- ✔️ Liquor stores close on certain holidays, but beer sales continue.
- ✔️ Always check your local store or bar for specific policies, as some cities extend hours.
🔥 Still have questions about Texas beer laws? Drop them below! Our experts will help you navigate local regulations, find extended sales hours, and share the best beer-buying tips. 🍺✨
FAQs
Comment 1: “Why can’t I buy beer before 10:00 AM on Sundays in Texas?”
📜 This restriction is a remnant of Texas’ “Blue Laws,” which were originally enacted to enforce religious observances and limit commerce on Sundays. Although many of these laws have been repealed, Texas still enforces specific alcohol sale restrictions on Sundays.
📊 Sunday Beer Sales Restrictions: Then vs. Now
| Time Period ⏳ | Sunday Beer Sales Start Time ⏰ | Legislative Changes 📜 |
|---|---|---|
| Before 2021 ❌ | No beer sales before Noon | Strictly enforced under Texas Blue Laws |
| After House Bill 1518 (2021) ✅ | Beer sales now start at 10:00 AM | Allowed grocery stores and restaurants to serve beer earlier |
| Current Status (2024) 🕙 | 10:00 AM – Midnight | No plans for further changes, but subject to local laws |
💡 Tip: If you’re dining at a restaurant before noon on Sundays, you must order food with your beer!
Comment 2: “Can I buy beer from a gas station in Texas at any time?”
⛽ While gas stations and convenience stores sell beer, they must follow Texas state regulations on alcohol sales hours. Unlike 24-hour stores in other states, Texas restricts when alcohol can be sold—even if the store is open all night.
📊 Gas Station & Convenience Store Beer Sale Hours
| Day 🗓️ | Earliest Beer Sales Start 🍺 | Cutoff Time ⏳ |
|---|---|---|
| Monday – Friday 🏪 | 7:00 AM | Midnight |
| Saturday 🎉 | 7:00 AM | 1:00 AM (Sunday Morning) |
| Sunday 🏈 | 10:00 AM | Midnight |
💡 Tip: If you’re on a late-night beer run, be sure to check the time—many gas stations stop selling at midnight, even if they’re open 24/7.
Comment 3: “Do grocery stores in Texas sell beer and liquor together?”
🍷 No! In Texas, beer and liquor are sold under different licenses, which means you won’t find whiskey, vodka, or tequila in grocery stores or gas stations.
📊 Where You Can Buy Beer vs. Liquor in Texas
| Alcohol Type 🍾 | Available in Grocery & Convenience Stores? 🏪 | Available in Liquor Stores? 🍷 |
|---|---|---|
| Beer & Wine 🍺 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Hard Liquor (Whiskey, Vodka, Tequila) 🥃 | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (but only in licensed liquor stores) |
| Mixed Spirits & Cocktails (RTD Cans) 🍹 | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
💡 Tip: Texas liquor stores are closed on Sundays and certain holidays, so plan ahead if you’re looking for hard liquor!
Comment 4: “Can I bring beer from another state into Texas?”
🚗 Yes, but there are limitations. Texas allows individuals to bring in alcohol from other states for personal use, but large amounts may require special permits.
📊 Importing Alcohol Into Texas: Rules & Limits
| Alcohol Type 🍷 | Maximum Amount Allowed Without a Permit ⚖️ | Permit Required? 📜 |
|---|---|---|
| Beer 🍺 | 24 12-oz cans (one case) | ❌ No |
| Wine 🍷 | 1 gallon (5 bottles) | ❌ No |
| Liquor 🥃 | 1 quart (1 standard bottle) | ❌ No |
| Larger Quantities 🚛 | More than the above limits | ✅ Yes (Permit required from TABC) |
💡 Tip: If you’re bringing alcohol from another state, keep receipts as proof of personal use—Texas law prohibits alcohol resale without a license!
Comment 5: “What happens if I try to buy beer after legal hours?”
⏳ If you attempt to buy beer after the legal cutoff, you won’t be able to complete your purchase.
📊 What Happens If You Try to Buy Beer Late?
| Situation ❌ | Outcome ⚠️ |
|---|---|
| At a Grocery Store or Gas Station 🏪 | The checkout system automatically blocks the purchase after hours. |
| At a Bar or Restaurant 🍻 | The server will refuse to serve alcohol after the legal cutoff. |
| At a Self-Checkout Machine 🛒 | The system denies the transaction, even if an attendant is present. |
💡 Tip: Some bars have a “last call” 15-30 minutes before closing to allow final orders—plan accordingly!
Comment 6: “What are the penalties for selling or buying beer illegally in Texas?”
⚖️ Texas has strict penalties for illegal alcohol sales or purchases. Stores, bars, and individuals caught violating alcohol laws face fines, license suspensions, and even criminal charges.
📊 Texas Alcohol Violations & Penalties
| Violation 🚨 | Fine/Penalty 💰 | Additional Consequences ⚠️ |
|---|---|---|
| Selling Beer After Legal Hours 🍺 | Up to $500 fine | Business license suspension possible |
| Buying Beer After Hours ⏳ | Warning or citation | Can be denied service |
| Selling to a Minor (Under 21) 🚨 | Up to $4,000 fine + jail time | Business license revoked |
| Public Intoxication (PI) 🍻 | $500 fine | Possible arrest |
💡 Tip: If you’re unsure about legal beer sale times, ask an employee before attempting to purchase—store registers will block sales automatically.
Comment 7: “Can I legally drink beer in public in Texas?”
🏙️ Texas allows public alcohol consumption in most places, but local city ordinances can prohibit open containers in specific areas.
📊 Where You Can & Cannot Drink Beer in Public in Texas
| Location 📍 | Public Beer Consumption Allowed? ✅❌ |
|---|---|
| Public Sidewalks & Streets 🚶 | ❌ No (Most cities prohibit) |
| Parks & Beaches 🏖️ | ✅ Yes (Unless local laws restrict it) |
| Downtown Entertainment Districts 🎉 | ✅ Yes (Some cities allow with special rules) |
| Inside Vehicles (Open Container Law) 🚗 | ❌ No (Illegal in Texas) |
💡 Tip: Some cities, like Austin and Houston, allow alcohol in certain entertainment districts—check local laws before drinking in public!
Comment 8: “Why do some Texas counties have stricter alcohol laws than others?”
🏛️ Texas operates under a “local control” system, meaning each county, city, or precinct can set its own alcohol laws, making some areas “wet,” “dry,” or “partially dry.” These restrictions date back to Prohibition-era policies, when communities were given the power to regulate alcohol based on local preferences.
📊 Why Alcohol Laws Vary by County in Texas
| Factor 🔍 | Impact on Alcohol Sales 🍺 |
|---|---|
| Local Control Laws 📜 | Each county or city can regulate when and where alcohol is sold. |
| Cultural & Religious Influence ⛪ | Some communities, especially in rural areas, restrict alcohol due to religious beliefs. |
| Historical Prohibition Laws 🚫 | Certain counties have upheld old Prohibition-era bans on alcohol sales. |
| Economic Considerations 💰 | Wet counties generate tax revenue from alcohol sales, while dry counties may lose business to neighboring areas. |
💡 Tip: If you’re unsure about alcohol laws in a specific Texas county, use the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) website to check regulations before making a trip.
Comment 9: “Can bars sell beer after 2:00 AM in Texas?”
🚫 No, 2:00 AM is the absolute latest a bar can legally serve alcohol in Texas, and even then, only if they have a special late-hours permit. Without this permit, sales stop at midnight (weekdays) or 1:00 AM (Saturdays).
📊 Texas Bar Alcohol Sale Cutoff Times
| Day 🗓️ | Standard Closing Time ⏳ | With Late-Hours Permit 🌙 |
|---|---|---|
| Monday – Friday 🍻 | Midnight | 2:00 AM |
| Saturday 🎉 | 1:00 AM | 2:00 AM |
| Sunday 🍺 | Midnight | 2:00 AM |
💡 Tip: If you’re looking for bars that serve until 2:00 AM, check larger cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston, where late-hours permits are more common.
Comment 10: “Can I take an unfinished beer to-go from a bar in Texas?”
🚗 It depends on the type of alcohol and the packaging. Texas law allows for “alcoholic beverage to-go” sales in certain cases, but the rules differ between beer, liquor, and mixed drinks.
📊 Texas To-Go Alcohol Laws
| Alcohol Type 🍹 | Can You Take It To-Go? ✅❌ | Conditions & Restrictions ⚠️ |
|---|---|---|
| Beer & Wine (Unopened) 🍾 | ✅ Yes | Must be in a sealed container (like a six-pack). |
| Beer (Opened) 🍺 | ❌ No | Open container laws prohibit carrying unfinished drinks outside bars. |
| Cocktails & Mixed Drinks 🍸 | ✅ Yes (With Restrictions) | Must be in a tamper-proof, sealed container with a receipt. |
💡 Tip: If you’re taking alcohol to-go, it must remain sealed while in a vehicle. Drinking while driving is strictly prohibited under Texas Open Container Laws.
Comment 11: “Do grocery stores in Texas sell cold beer, or is it only room temperature?”
🌡️ Texas does not have statewide laws requiring beer to be sold warm, but some stores—particularly in dry or partially dry counties—only sell non-refrigerated beer. This is often due to local ordinances or store policies rather than state law.
📊 Cold Beer Sales in Texas Grocery Stores
| Store Type 🛒 | Cold Beer Available? ❄️ | Possible Restrictions ⚠️ |
|---|---|---|
| Large Chain Grocers (HEB, Kroger, Walmart) 🏪 | ✅ Yes | No restrictions in most areas. |
| Convenience Stores (7-Eleven, Circle K, Stripes) ⛽ | ✅ Yes | Cold beer available unless restricted by local laws. |
| Dry Counties & Certain Stores 🚫 | ❌ No | Only non-refrigerated beer allowed due to local laws. |
💡 Tip: If you’re in a dry or partially dry county, check a liquor store for cold beer—many have licenses allowing refrigeration even in restricted areas.
Comment 12: “Can minors drink alcohol with their parents in Texas?”
👪 Yes, but only under specific conditions. Texas law allows minors (under 21) to consume alcohol in the presence of a parent, guardian, or spouse over 21. However, businesses have the right to refuse service to minors even if a parent is present.
📊 Minor Alcohol Consumption Laws in Texas
| Situation 🤔 | Legal or Illegal? ⚖️ | Details 📜 |
|---|---|---|
| Minor drinking alcohol at home with a parent 🏡 | ✅ Legal | Must be under direct supervision. |
| Minor drinking in a restaurant with a parent 🍽️ | ✅ Legal (But rare) | Establishments may still refuse service. |
| Minor drinking alcohol without parental supervision 🚫 | ❌ Illegal | Can result in fines and legal consequences. |
💡 Tip: Even though it’s legal in some cases, many restaurants and bars will not serve alcohol to minors, even with a parent present. Always check with the establishment first!
Comment 13: “What is the penalty for using a fake ID to buy beer in Texas?”
🚔 Using a fake ID to purchase alcohol is a criminal offense in Texas and carries serious consequences, including fines, community service, and even possible jail time.
📊 Texas Fake ID Penalties
| Offense 🆔 | Penalty 💰 | Additional Consequences ⚠️ |
|---|---|---|
| Possession of a Fake ID 📇 | Up to $500 fine | May result in a suspended driver’s license. |
| Using a Fake ID to Buy Alcohol 🍻 | Class C Misdemeanor, $500 fine | Can include community service & alcohol awareness classes. |
| Providing a Fake ID to a Minor 🚨 | Class A Misdemeanor, $4,000 fine | Possible jail time up to 1 year. |
💡 Tip: Texas takes fake ID offenses seriously, and penalties increase if the ID is used multiple times or provided by an adult to a minor.
Comment 14: “Do liquor stores in Texas sell beer, or only hard liquor?”
🍾 Liquor stores in Texas are licensed to sell spirits (whiskey, vodka, tequila, etc.), but they can also sell wine. However, beer is typically sold in grocery stores and convenience stores rather than liquor stores.
📊 What Alcohol is Sold Where in Texas?
| Store Type 🏪 | Beer 🍺 | Wine 🍷 | Liquor 🥃 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grocery Stores (HEB, Kroger, Walmart, etc.) 🛒 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Convenience Stores (7-Eleven, Stripes, etc.) ⛽ | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Liquor Stores (Spec’s, Total Wine, etc.) 🍾 | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
💡 Tip: If you’re shopping for both beer and liquor, you’ll need to make two stops—one at a grocery store for beer and another at a liquor store for hard alcohol.
