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Drinking hours clarified
While the Port Aransas City Council declared public consumption of alcohol on the beach illegal during March from the hours of midnight to 2 a.m., the council didn't tell people when they could begin drinking again.
Since the city ordinance, passed on Thursday, Feb. 21, didn't address that, the matter falls under state law.
Texas law says alcohol can be sold in a bar or restaurant or off-premises (for example, in a convenience store for consumption elsewhere):
• Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-midnight
• Saturday, 7 a.m.-1 a.m. Sunday
• Sunday, noon-midnight (10 a.m. to noon if served along with food)
Package and liquor stores:
• May be open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Must be closed on Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day
• If Christmas or New Year's falls on a Sunday, closed the following Monday.
The law says alcohol may not be consumed in public:
• Monday-Saturday, before 7 a.m. or after 2:15 a.m.
• Sunday, before noon or after 2:15 a.m.
• Exceptions: Consumption is legal between 10 a.m. and noon on Sundays if it is "at an on-premise establishment when it is sold along with the service of food to a customer" or at a winery, fair, festival, concert, or sports venue.
For more information, visit the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission Web site at www.tabc.state. tx.us/help/General.htm#hours.
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