Texas Blue Laws: When Can You Buy Liquor, Wine, Beer…and a Car?

Texas blue laws restrict when you can buy alcohol and cars in the state. Liquor stores are closed on Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Beer and wine can be purchased from 10 a.m. to midnight on Sundays at grocery and convenience stores, while car dealerships must close on either Saturday or Sunday.

These laws date back centuries and reflect Texas’s religious and cultural heritage. While many blue laws have been repealed, alcohol and automobile sales restrictions remain firmly in place under the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, Chapter 105 and Texas Transportation Code Section 728.002.

What Are Blue Laws and Why Do They Exist in Texas?

Blue laws are regulations that restrict certain commercial activities on specific days, traditionally Sundays. The name may come from laws originally printed on blue paper, or from the word “blue” being used as a derogatory term for puritanical regulations.

William G. Harper’s “A Short History of the Texas Blue Laws” documents that these restrictions date back to the 17th and 18th centuries in American colonies. The laws encouraged church attendance by limiting secular activities on Sundays.

Texas enacted its original blue law in 1961, restricting the sale of 42 specific items on consecutive weekend days. These included clothing, home appliances, tools, furniture, sporting goods, and electronics. The state repealed most of these restrictions in 1985, but alcohol and car sales regulations remain.

When Can You Buy Alcohol in Texas?

Texas regulates alcohol sales differently depending on the type of beverage. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code sets specific hours for purchasing beer, wine, and liquor throughout the week.

Beer and Wine Sales Hours

You can purchase beer and wine at grocery stores, convenience stores, and other licensed retailers during these hours:

• Monday through Friday: 7:00 a.m. to midnight
• Saturday: 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
• Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to midnight

Liquor Store Hours

Liquor stores in Texas operate under stricter regulations:

• Monday through Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Sunday: Closed (no liquor store sales)
• Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day: Closed

Can You Buy Alcohol on Sunday in Texas?

Yes, but only beer and wine. Liquor stores must remain closed on Sundays. Bars and restaurants can serve alcoholic beverages after noon on Sundays.

Beer and wine sales at grocery and convenience stores begin at 10:00 a.m. on Sundays. This is later than the 7:00 a.m. start time during weekdays. Sales continue until midnight.

If you’re caught driving after drinking, you could face serious consequences. Texas DWI laws carry penalties including jail time, fines, and license suspension. The open container laws in Texas also prohibit having open alcoholic beverages in a vehicle.

What Time Does Texas Stop Selling Alcohol?

Cutoff times depend on the day and type of beverage:

• Liquor: Sales end at 9:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday
• Beer and Wine: Sales end at midnight Sunday through Friday, 1:00 a.m. on Saturday
• Bars and Restaurants: Last call is typically 2:00 a.m.

Understanding these restrictions helps avoid misunderstandings that could lead to legal trouble. Violations of alcohol sales laws can result in criminal charges for both sellers and buyers in certain situations, particularly when minors and alcohol are involved.

Why Are Car Dealerships Closed on Sundays in Texas?

Texas Transportation Code Section 728.002 prohibits car dealerships from operating on both Saturday and Sunday. Dealers must choose one weekend day to close, and most choose Sunday.

This law has persisted because of lobbying efforts from dealership owners and employees who value a guaranteed day off. Unlike alcohol restrictions, car sales regulations enjoy strong support within the industry itself.

The law applies to the sale of motor vehicles, not service departments. You can still get your car serviced on Sundays at some dealerships, even though you cannot purchase a vehicle.

What Items Were Originally Banned Under Texas Blue Laws?

The 1961 Texas blue law restricted the sale of 42 items on consecutive weekend days. Retailers could open on Saturday or Sunday, but not both. These items included:

• Clothing and wearing apparel
• Home appliances (large and small)
• Cameras and camera accessories
• Cookware and kitchen utensils
• Hand tools and power tools
• Hardware and building materials
• Furniture and home furnishings
• Jewelry and watches
• Televisions and radios
• Sporting goods
• Toys and games
• Books and magazines
• Automotive parts and tires
• Office and school supplies

Texas repealed these restrictions in 1985 following legal challenges and changing consumer expectations. Only alcohol and car sales restrictions remain on the books today.

Watch: Weird Texas Laws You Won’t Believe Still Exist

Are Texas Blue Laws Constitutional?

Blue laws have survived constitutional challenges. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in McGowan v. Maryland (1961) that Sunday closing laws do not violate the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause because their modern purpose is secular (providing a uniform day of rest) rather than religious.

Texas courts have upheld the state’s alcohol and car sales restrictions under similar reasoning. The debate over these laws continues among lawmakers, business owners, and consumers who have different views on commercial regulation.

Proponents argue that blue laws protect workers by guaranteeing time off and maintain community standards. Opponents believe the restrictions are outdated and limit consumer freedom. Talk to a Dallas DWI lawyer or Houston DWI lawyer if you have questions about alcohol-related charges.

Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Blue Laws

Can I buy liquor on Sundays in Texas?

No. Liquor stores in Texas are required to remain closed on Sundays under the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code. You can purchase beer and wine from 10:00 a.m. to midnight on Sundays at grocery stores and convenience stores.

What holidays are liquor stores closed in Texas?

Liquor stores in Texas are closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day in addition to every Sunday.

Why can’t I buy a car on Sunday in Texas?

Texas Transportation Code Section 728.002 prohibits car dealerships from operating on both Saturday and Sunday. Most dealers choose to close on Sunday, though they could legally choose Saturday instead.

What happens if I get a DWI after drinking in Texas?

A DWI conviction in Texas can result in jail time, fines up to $10,000, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record. You should contact an experienced DWI attorney immediately if you’re facing charges.

Are Texas blue laws the same as dry county laws?

No. Blue laws regulate when alcohol can be sold statewide. Dry county laws determine whether alcohol sales are permitted at all in certain counties or precincts. Some areas of Texas are completely dry, while others are wet or partially dry.