Texas Liquor Laws Remain Complicated for East Texans

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Texas has a complex 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's liquor laws are among the strictest in the country, with restrictions on Sunday sales, holiday sales, and the hours when liquor can be purchased from stores.

Why it matters

The patchwork of liquor laws across Texas, with some counties remaining "dry" while neighboring cities allow sales, can be confusing and inconvenient for residents. This highlights the ongoing debate in the state around the role of alcohol and the tradeoffs between individual freedom, public health, and local control.

The details

In East Texas, the rules around buying alcohol can vary widely. Some counties like Smith County previously prohibited all liquor sales, forcing residents to drive to neighboring areas to purchase it. More recently, individual cities within Smith County have voted to allow liquor sales, but the county as a whole still has restrictions. Statewide, Texas has laws that prohibit liquor sales on Sundays and limit the hours when it can be purchased from stores, in addition to certain holiday restrictions.

• In the late 1990s, Smith County was a "dry" county, meaning no liquor could be sold.
• In the early 2010s, cities in Smith County like Troup, Arp, and Winona voted to allow liquor sales in stores.
• Currently, Texas liquor stores can only sell liquor between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m.

What’s next

As the debate around alcohol sales continues in Texas, residents will likely need to advocate for changes to the state's liquor laws through their local city and county governments.