If you’re in Texas, you’ve heard about the new alcohol laws implemented recently. It includes the now permanent law allowing customers to purchase alcohol to-go from restaurants and bars. Under Texas alcohol laws, restaurants are allowed to sell boozy beverages through drive-thrus as long as they have permission from their local government and the Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC).
The coronavirus crisis drastically impacted Texas restaurant owners and employees. Many of Texas’ 700,000 restaurant workers lost their jobs, and thousands of restaurants were forced to shut down. (Sparber, The Texas Tribune) This negatively impacted every bar establishment.
Helping struggling restaurant owners stay afloat, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) issued special relaxations to alcohol laws. It allowed restaurants to offer alcoholic beverages for sale at drive-thru, pick-up, and delivery.
Restaurants now have the flexibility to offer customers the convenience of taking home alcoholic beverages with their food orders, expanding their business offerings and giving customers more drive-thru options. It’s a great help to many restaurant owners, many of whom are still struggling with the economic impact of the pandemic.
While TABC is doing its best to support restaurant owners, it’s still crucial for customers to stay informed about the legalities of alcohol consumption in Texas. It’s important to remember that TABC laws still apply and that it is illegal for anyone under 21 to buy, possess or consume alcohol.
The law permits drive-thru options for alcoholic beverage purchases from restaurants and bars, with a few conditions. Here’s what you need to know about these rules and regulations.
Alcoholic Beverages at Drive-Thrus
Thanks to Texas’ new regulations, alcohol at drive-thrus is now officially on the menu! This move can create a new revenue stream for the restaurant industry, creating a fun way to enjoy your favorite drinks as soon as you get home.
If you’re looking for drive-thru restaurants that serve alcohol, your best bet is to look out for signs that advertise. These restaurants will have drive-thru windows where you can order your food and drinks, and the restaurant staff will check your ID before handing over the drinks.
The most popular restaurants offering alcoholic drinks at their drive-thrus are some of our most patronized burger joints and Mexican food restaurants like Sonic Drive-In, and El Pollo Loco. (Schwartz , Delish)
Apart from them, these are ten Houston drive-thrus where you can order boozy frozen slushies – New Orleans D & W, Chacho’s, Java Jo’z, W Grill Margaritas To-Go, The Eskimo Hut, Daiquiri Shack, Frio To Go, Prime Daiquiri, Bourbon St. Daiquiris, and Daiquiri Island. (Cahoon, Houston Eater)
Each of these restaurants has specific guidelines regarding what kinds of drinks they are allowed to serve, such as beer and wine, but not hard liquor.
Additionally, Texas law states that the alcohol must be in a sealed container when it is delivered through the drive-thru window.
Rules and Regulations You Need to Know
What do you need to know if you’ll grab drinks at a drive-thru restaurant?
Foremost, have valid identification to be served alcohol, whether the purchase is made in person or through a drive-thru window.
Customers must be 21 or older, and the alcohol purchased can only be in single-serve containers, like cans of beer or pre-mixed drinks.
Next, you should be aware of the various regulations that drive-thrus must adhere to serve alcohol. For example, all staff members who handle alcohol must have a valid TABC (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission) seller’s permit.
Texas has some specific laws governing the sale of alcohol that should be considered when purchasing an alcoholic beverage from a drive-thru.
It’s essential to be aware of the restrictions impacting drive-thrus that serve alcohol. Most restaurants that offer alcoholic beverages through their drive-thrus are only allowed to do so between 7 a.m. and midnight on Sundays or between 10 a.m. and 2 a.m. any other day.
It’s also important to note that any restaurant that serves alcohol must close for the night at 2 a.m., regardless of whether they are open in person or just through a drive-thru window.
So, the next time you’re in a hurry, you can still get your favorite drink—ensure the restaurant is open.
Conclusion
The new law is undoubtedly a bold move in the Texas restaurant industry and may encourage other states to consider similar laws.
The TABC has been a great help to the restaurant industry in Texas, and restaurants are continuing to find creative ways to offer alcohol for sale at drive-thrus, pick-ups, and deliveries. With the proper knowledge, customers can take advantage of these options while staying within the bounds of Texas alcohol laws.
Remember that drinking and driving are still illegal, so drink responsibly and wait until you’re parked to enjoy your boozy treat. Enjoy!
Works Cited
Schwartz, Sara. “Sonic Drive-in Joins Burger King in Offering Beer and Wine.” Delish, Delish, 1 July 2011, https://www.delish.com/food/news/a38629/sonic-burger-king-beer-wine-menu/.
Cahoon, Claire. “10 Houston Drive-Thrus for Boozy Frozen Slushies.” Eater Houston, Eater Houston, 15 May 2019, https://houston.eater.com/maps/houston-drive-thru-margaritas-daiquiris-slushies.
Sparber, Sami. “Texas Law Now Allows Alcohol to Go from Restaurants after Gov. Greg Abbott Signs Bill.” The Texas Tribune, The Texas Tribune, 12 May 2021, https://www.texastribune.org/2021/05/12/texas-alcohol-to-go-greg-abbott/.
