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Bluebonnets, cowboy boots, and breakfast tacos are all wonderful things about the great state of Texas. But there are also a few things that don’t make complete sense. For instance, did you know that in the city of El Paso, churches, hotels, stores, markets, saloons and other public areas are required to provide spittoons? In Houston, it’s illegal to sell Limburger cheese on a Sunday. In Mesquite, it’s illegal for children to have unusual haircuts. There are also dozens of unusual laws relating to the sale and use of alcoholic beverages. Here are just a few Texas alcohol laws that will make you scratch your head:
LeFors, Texas – In this Texas Panhandle town, it’s illegal to take more than three swallows of beer while standing. I assume if you’re sitting down, it will be OK?

Lubbock County – Driving within an arm’s length of alcohol is prohibited. This rule is meant to keep drivers from drinking while driving but the it also applies to passengers with alcohol in their bloodstream. Interesting. (Source)

Liquor sales are only allowed in liquor stores – Unlike some states where you can run to the store to pick up dinner and a bottle of tequila for your margaritas, the sale of liquor is ONLY permitted in liquor stores.

No Liquor on Sundays – Liquor stores are heavily regulated in the state of Texas and thanks to “blue” laws, not permitted to be open on Sundays. If you want to make that margarita on a Sunday, be sure to purchase your tequila the day before. (Source)

Holiday Sales Restricted – Christmas, New Year’s Day and Thanksgiving are days when many of us need a stiff drink. Unfortunately the sale of hard liquor is not permitted on these holidays. Plan ahead, people!

Liquor stores are closed on Sunday – In Texas, Sundays are for church, family, special dinners and relaxation. Texas is one of a handful of states with so called “blue laws” that prohibit certain activities on Sundays. Until only the past few decades, many retail outlets were closed on Sundays. That law was abolished but the law prohibiting liquor stores from being open on Sunday remains in place. (Source)

Restaurants get a break – Buying alcohol on Sunday in a restaurant is permitted before noon if the drink is paired with food. Alcohol can also be purchased on Sundays beginning at 10AM at sporting events, festivals and wineries.

Some counties are dry – In certain parts of Texas, you cannot buy beer, wine or any type of alcohol or even possess it. Unfortunately, many of us don’t realize these laws are in place until we go searching for a drink.

Some local areas can restrict alcohol use – In certain municipalities, alcohol purchase is restricted. Counties can bypass these laws by creating drinking clubs. Usually there are no membership fees involved but you may have to show your ID at the door.

Kids can drink – Ok, that might be an exaggeration. Kids can’t actually drink unless their parents order it for them. The same notion applies to married partners. Even if your spouse is under age, you are able to buy him or her a drink. (Source)

Feel more comfortable about the ins and outs of drinking in Texas? Hopefully we have successfully shed some light on Texas alcohol law. At the very least, you’ll know where to find a spittoon when you travel to El Paso.