Texas Has Some Weird Liquor Laws

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Texas has a complex set of liquor laws that vary by city and county, with some areas prohibiting the sale of liquor entirely while allowing beer and wine, and others having strict regulations on the hours and days when liquor can be sold. The state's alcohol laws are considered some of the strictest in the country, leading to inconveniences for residents who want to purchase liquor.

Why it matters

Texas' liquor laws reflect the ongoing debate within the state about the role of alcohol in society. While some see it as a personal freedom, others view it as a moral and social ill. These divergent views have led to a patchwork of regulations across the state, creating confusion and inconvenience for consumers.

The details

In Texas, individual cities and counties can pass their own ordinances regarding the sale of alcohol, as long as they adhere to the state's broader laws. This has led to a situation where some areas, like Smith County, prohibit the sale of liquor entirely, while allowing beer and wine. Other cities, like Tyler and Longview, have different rules on the hours when bars and restaurants can serve alcohol. Buying liquor for home consumption also has restrictions, with stores only able to sell it between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. and certain holidays being off-limits.

• In the late 1990s, areas like Coffee City, Big Sandy, and Kilgore were the closest places for Smith County residents to buy alcohol.
• It wasn't until the early 2010s that Smith County cities like Troup, Arp, and Winona voted to allow the sale of beer and wine in stores.
• Tyler bars and restaurants can serve alcohol until midnight Sunday through Friday, and until 1 a.m. on Saturdays, while Longview establishments can serve until 2 a.m. every night.

What’s next

It remains to be seen if Smith County will eventually allow the sale of liquor throughout the county, as some cities have already done for beer and wine. The ongoing debate over the role of alcohol in Texas society is likely to continue shaping the state's complex liquor laws.