Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) has officially signed a bill into law that allows alcohol delivery anywhere in the state of Texas.
More specifically, residents will be able to order alcohol to be delivered alongside groceries and other food that they order. Bars, restaurants, and other businesses may deliver to homes and other types of off-premises areas.
Waiting For Another Bill to Be Passed
This law does not come into effect immediately. A related bill, Senate Bill 1450, is waiting for Greg Abbott’s approval. Senate Bill 1450 would mandate that food be ordered alongside the alcohol delivery. Additionally, it would also allow these businesses to deliver pre-packaged mixed drinks. The only exception is that any and all cocktails that are made at these businesses would not be permitted to be delivered. For now, any restaurants that possess mixed beverage permits are required to hold off on alcohol deliveries until Governor Abbott signs Senate Bill 1450 into law. Senate Bill 1450 is expected to be signed into law.
The alcohol delivery bill that has already been passed, known as Senate Bill 1232, has key provisions and restrictions that are included with it. These include the following:
- All alcohol will be required to be sealed in an original serving container. This includes either cans or bottles.
- Only individuals aged 21 or older are able to make deliveries with both food and alcohol.
- Only individuals 21 or older may order alcohol with their food. Additionally, the individual must also show a valid form of identification upon delivery and sign receipts upon accepting the delivery.
In a video posted to his official Twitter account prior to officially signing the bill into law, Governor Abbott stated the following:
“Have you ever ordered food or groceries from a retailer to be delivered to your home and also wished that you could order beer or wine to be delivered? Well I’m about to sign a law that allows you to do just that.”
Public Reaction
Many residents have responded positively to the bill’s signing. A common response amongst the public is that Governor Abbott’s signature means that less people will now be driving under the influence in Texas. Since Texans of legal age will be able to order their alcohol to be delivered to their homes, there is less temptation to drive to a store or bar to get it after already drinking.
While many residents are happy with the new law, many also disagree with Governor Abbott’s decision to sign the bill into law. Some find it surprising that he signed Senate Bill 1232, feeling that making alcohol more accessible in this manner isn’t a good idea.
Backed by the Texas Restaurant Association, many businesses throughout the state view the new law allowing alcohol delivery asbeneficial. With the growing popularity of having food delivered and the proliferation of delivery services such as Uber Eats and Favor, they feel it could help their bottom line.
In the city of San Antonio, there has actually been a means of local alcohol delivery since 2018 thanks to Amazon Prime Now. The new law now expands on this state-wide.
Governor Abbott’s final words to Texas residents on the new law?
“Enjoy responsibly.”
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