Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers | December 18, 2025 | Criminal Defense
Blue laws ban or restrict the sale of specific goods on certain days. Historically, blue laws were enacted for religious reasons. Therefore, the laws are often referred to as Sunday laws. The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld blue laws for the secular purpose of observing a day of rest.
Many states have repealed or amended blue laws, but the laws remain in effect across the United States. Today, Texas continues to regulate the sale of liquor, wine, and beer. The laws specify certain hours and days for the sale of alcohol throughout the state.
You can find Texas blue laws in Chapter 105 of the Alcoholic Beverage Code. In this article, we review Texas blue laws and how they impact your ability to purchase alcohol in Fort Worth and throughout Texas.
Texas Blue Laws: When Can You Purchase Beer, Wine, and Liquor in Texas?
Texas blue laws regulate when beer, wine, and liquor may be sold. The rules vary depending on the type of alcohol and the business selling it.
Beer and Wine Sales
According to the law, beer and wine sales in Texas are restricted as follows:
- Grocery and convenience stores can sell beer and wine Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to midnight.
- On Saturday, sales are allowed from 7 a.m. until 1 a.m. Sunday morning.
- On Sunday, beer and wine are permitted for sale from 10 a.m. to midnight.
- A wine-only package store that holds a beer license may not sell wine containing more than 17% alcohol by volume on Sundays or after 10 p.m. on any day.
These beer and wine sales restrictions reflect Texas’s broader blue law framework, which balances consumer access with time-based limits on alcohol availability.
Liquor Sales
The restrictions on liquor sales differ from those on wine and beer. “Liquor” includes beverages containing over 5% alcohol by weight unless otherwise indicated. Liquor sales restrictions in Texas vary by business, but are generally as follows:
- Liquor stores may sell liquor Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sunday sales are prohibited.
- Liquor stores must also close on certain holidays, including Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
- If Christmas Day or New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday, liquor stores must remain closed the following Monday.
These liquor sales restrictions further illustrate Texas’s blue law approach, which imposes tighter controls on higher-alcohol beverages and limits their availability to specific days and hours.
Bars and Restaurants
Bars and restaurants with a TABC Mixed Beverage Permit can sell liquor for on-premise consumption within these hours:
- Mixed beverages may be sold Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to midnight.
- On Saturday, sales are permitted from 7 a.m. until 1 a.m. Sunday morning.
- On Sunday, liquor may be sold from 10 a.m. to noon only with food service, and from noon to midnight without a food requirement.
An extended late hours certificate is available to businesses with mixed beverage permits in cities and counties with larger populations. In jurisdictions that authorize extended (late) hours and for businesses that hold a late‑hours permit, mixed beverages may be sold until 2 a.m.
Blue laws are enforced statewide in Texas. However, cities and counties may also enact some rules governing alcohol sales. Businesses need to review local ordinances to ensure compliance with the law.
What Are the Penalties for Violating Texas Blue Laws?
A business that violates blue laws can face disciplinary action by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC). Penalties may include fines, permit suspensions, and permit revocation. Individuals can also face criminal charges for violating Texas blue laws.
DWI Laws in Texas
Blue laws and DWI laws are independent. However, drinking at an establishment and driving home could result in a charge of driving while intoxicated (DWI).
It is illegal in Texas to drive with a BAC of .08% or above. It is also illegal to drive while intoxicated. Therefore, you could be convicted of DWI even if your BAC is below the legal limit. The prosecution must prove that the alcohol in your system impaired your ability to operate a motor vehicle.
Texas has a zero-tolerance law for drivers under 21 years old. Any detectable amount of alcohol in their system can result in a DWI charge. Drivers with a CDL have a lower BAC limit. The legal limit for CDL holders is .04% or above.
A Fort Worth Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help
Texas blue laws regulate when beer, wine, and liquor may be sold, with rules varying based on the type of alcohol and the business involved. Although these laws apply statewide, local ordinances may impose additional restrictions.
Violating these laws can lead to fines, jail time, and other penalties. Contact Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers at (682) 777-3336 to speak with a criminal defense lawyer if you are facing criminal charges.
We serve the surrounding areas of Tarrant County and Fort Worth, TX.
Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers
604 E 4th St Ste 101
Fort Worth, TX 76102