Texas Has Some Weird Liquor Laws

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Texas has a complicated relationship with alcohol, with some counties prohibiting liquor sales while allowing beer and wine, and cities within those counties having different rules around when bars and restaurants can serve alcohol. The state also has strict statewide laws, including banning liquor sales on Sundays and limiting the hours when it can be purchased from stores.

Why it matters

These quirky liquor laws reflect the ongoing debate in Texas around the role of alcohol in society. While some see it as a harmless way to unwind, others view it as a moral and social ill. The patchwork of local rules also creates confusion and inconvenience for consumers.

The details

In East Texas, residents have long had to cross county lines to purchase liquor, as some counties like Smith County prohibited its sale. Even within counties that allow liquor, individual cities can set their own rules around when bars and restaurants can serve it, with Tyler having an earlier cutoff time than Longview. Texas also has strict statewide laws, including banning liquor sales on Sundays and limiting store hours to 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

• In the late 1990s, Smith County was a 'dry' county where liquor could not be purchased.
• In the early 2010s, some Smith County cities like Troup, Arp and Winona voted to allow liquor sales in stores.

What’s next

Residents of Smith County will likely need to vote to further expand liquor sales within the county, as has happened in some cities.