Rejoice!
On Wednesday afternoon, Greg Abbott signed a bill that would permanently allow bars and restaurants to sell beer, wine, and mixed cocktails for delivery and takeout. [Featured image: @kobbyfotos via Unsplash]
Texans can now get their margaritas without having to leave their house – or turn on a blender. On May 12, Gov. Abbott signed House Bill 1024, that which enables permit-holding bars and restaurants to sell alcoholic beverages for delivery and takeout orders.
Consistent with the previous legislation, purchase of boozy beverages to-go must accompany a food order, and drinks must be sealed in a tamper-proof container.
The legislation signed today solidifies what was an indefinite waiver put forth by Abbott, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), and the Texas Restaurant Association (TRA) back in June 2020, which was an extension of Abbott’s original permit made in March of last year.
Back in March of this year, the Texas House of Representatives approved the bill, voting overwhelmingly in favor at 144-1. In April, the Texas Senate followed suit, approving it with a vote of 30-1.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, bars and restaurants have had to utilize every resource at their disposal to stay afloat in this economically troubling time. Cities across America were quick to make moves that would allow these establishments more liberties in how they conduct their businesses. Today, Texas has become the 10th state to permanently legalize the sale of to-go alcohol.
See also: Total Lunar Eclipse And Brightest Moon Of 2021 To Illuminate Texas Skies This Month