Texans face a 61-hour alcohol ban as an old state law comes into effect in Texas. Liquor stores will close on Saturday night at 9 p.m. and won’t reopen until Tuesday at 10 a.m. This ban is mandated by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, which requires closures on Sundays and holidays, including Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
The ban on Christmas Day was implemented in 1967, while Thanksgiving Day and New Year’s Day were included in 1979. If Christmas or New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday, liquor stores are also required to stay closed on the following Monday.
While Texans will need to plan ahead for their alcohol purchases during this ban, convenience and grocery stores can still sell beer and wine. However, big-box retailers may have limited hours during the holidays, affecting the availability of alcohol.
Efforts have been made to change these strict regulations. One proposal is to allow liquor stores to open on Sundays and lift the ban on Monday sales after Christmas or New Year’s Day. However, these changes have not been implemented yet, leaving Texans without the option to purchase alcohol during the specified hours.
This alcohol ban may serve as a test run for those considering participating in “Dry January.” With limited access to alcohol during the holiday season, Texans can evaluate their consumption habits and potentially kickstart a healthier start to the new year.
As the ban takes effect, liquor store owners and customers alike may express their frustrations. Some argue that these decades-old regulations no longer align with the needs and expectations of modern society. However, for now, Texans will need to adapt to the 61-hour alcohol ban and plan their holiday celebrations accordingly.
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