Texas is known for cowboys, deserts, country music, and people who are proud to live in Texas. But does this US state make it easy for people to buy liquor?
Do grocery stores sell liquor in Texas?
No, they do not sell liquor at grocery stores in Texas. You can only buy liquor in licensed package stores, also known as liquor stores when in the state of Texas.
And that is not the only limitation you will encounter when you want to buy a bottle of rum in Texas. Read on to find out more.
Do Grocery Stores Sell Liquor in Texas?
Grocery stores in Texas are not allowed to sell any liquor. They are only allowed to sell wines and beers.
If you are visiting Texas from a different state, you might be slightly disappointed during your shopping trip if you expect to buy some liquor there.
Why Can’t Grocery Stores Sell Liquor in Texas?
After the Prohibition of alcohol ended in the USA in 1933, each state received the right to manage the sales of alcohol in its own way. Different laws in various states can confuse you when you move or travel to another state.
Texas decided to take a strict approach towards selling liquor, so they do not allow liquor sales in grocery stores. This is meant to make it a little less convenient for people to get their hands on “hard” liquors that can cause antisocial behaviors.
To make things worse, different counties within Texas also have other laws!
To learn more about what licensing a store needs to sell liquor in Texas, you can check out the comprehensive information on the TABC (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission) website.
Do Target Or Walmart Sell Liquor In Texas?
Neither of the two big stores is licensed to sell liquor in Texas.
A change might be on the way soon, as many see it as unjust that certain stores are prohibited from selling liquor. Walmart and Target are keen to work with the government to see changes.
Walmart already has a history of suing the state of Texas – but did not get far with this. They now want to try and work with the state instead.
Where Can You Buy Liquor In Texas?
Liquor sales in Texas are limited to package stores/liquor stores. While this is less convenient than going to a grocery store, it is better than having no option.
The good news is that liquor stores with the correct permit can also deliver their products to their customers. If you feel uncomfortable with going into a liquor store, or it is too far out of your way, that is the best option.
Related Questions
Why Can I Buy Beer And Wine On Sundays In Texas, But Not Liquor?
In 2021, the alcohol laws in Texas were changed to allow stores the sale of beer and wine even earlier on Sundays (10 am instead of noon). People can also use delivery services for alcohol on Sundays now.
There was no change for liquor stores, however. They (also called package stores) are still not allowed to open on Sundays. While there is no logical reason for this, people are hoping that the changes of 2021 are only the first step of Texas becoming a little less rigorous about alcohol.
Final Thoughts
Texas is taking its alcohol rules seriously and is strict compared to other states. There are still “blue laws,” e.g., no sale of liquor on a Sunday.
In Texas, it is less convenient than in some other states to buy liquor, but at least you do have the chance to buy it if you are over 21 years old.
Read our related alcohol articles:
- Do Grocery Stores Sell Liquor in Tennessee?
- Do Grocery Stores Sell Liquor in Oregon?
- Do Grocery Stores Sell Liquor in Arizona?
- Do Grocery Stores Sell Liquor in California?
- Do Grocery Stores Sell Wine in the United States?
- Do Grocery Stores Sell Liquor in New York?
- Do Grocery Stores Sell Liquor in Florida?