Cottle County, Texas has specific alcohol and drinking laws that regulate the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages. In unincorporated areas of the county, packaged liquor sales are prohibited on Sundays but allowed from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Beer and wine have different regulations. These beverages can be sold between noon and midnight on Sundays, 7:00 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday, and 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. on Saturdays. These rules apply to packaged beer and wine sales in unincorporated parts of Cottle County.
Understanding local alcohol laws is crucial for residents and visitors alike. Cottle County’s regulations align with Texas state laws while reflecting local preferences. These laws aim to balance alcohol availability with community safety and values.
Legal Drinking Age in Texas
The legal drinking age in Texas is 21. This applies to purchasing, possessing, and consuming alcoholic beverages in public spaces throughout the state, including Cottle County.
There are some exceptions to the drinking age rule. In Texas, minors aged 18-20 may consume alcohol in the presence of their consenting parent, legal guardian, or spouse who is at least 21 years old.
Underage drinking laws are strictly enforced in Texas. Penalties for violating these laws can include:
- Fines up to $500
- Driver’s license suspension
- Mandatory alcohol awareness classes
- Community service
Businesses that sell alcohol to minors face severe consequences, such as fines and potential loss of their liquor license.
It’s important to note that while 18-year-olds can legally serve alcohol in establishments, they cannot consume it themselves unless under the exceptions mentioned earlier.
Texas law also prohibits adults from providing alcohol to minors or allowing them to consume alcohol on property under their control. Violating this law can result in significant legal penalties.
Regulatory Authorities
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) plays a crucial role in overseeing alcohol regulations in Cottle County and throughout Texas. This agency enforces state laws and local ordinances related to the sale, distribution, and consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC)
The TABC is responsible for licensing, permitting, and regulating all aspects of the alcoholic beverage industry in Texas, including Cottle County. This commission enforces the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, which outlines specific rules for alcohol sales and consumption.
TABC agents conduct inspections of licensed establishments to ensure compliance with state laws. They have the authority to issue citations, suspend licenses, and take legal action against violators.
The commission also provides education and resources to businesses and consumers. TABC offers training programs for alcohol sellers and servers to promote responsible service practices.
In Cottle County, TABC regulations govern operating hours for liquor stores, package sales restrictions, and alcohol-free zones. Local law enforcement works in conjunction with TABC to uphold these regulations and maintain public safety.
Types of Alcoholic Beverages
Cottle County regulates different categories of alcoholic beverages. These include beer and wine, which have distinct rules from packaged liquor. Each type has specific regulations governing their sale and consumption.
Beer and Wine
Beer and wine sales are permitted in Cottle County with certain restrictions. Restaurants and bars can serve these beverages during licensed hours. Grocery stores and convenience stores may sell beer and wine for off-premise consumption.
The legal age to purchase or consume beer and wine is 21 years old. Establishments must verify customer age before serving or selling these products.
Cottle County follows Texas state laws regarding alcohol content limits for beer and wine. Beer typically cannot exceed 5% alcohol by volume (ABV), while wine is limited to 14% ABV.
Packaged Liquor
Packaged liquor refers to spirits and other high-alcohol beverages sold in sealed containers for off-premise consumption. Cottle County has stricter regulations for packaged liquor compared to beer and wine.
Sales of packaged liquor are prohibited on Sundays in unincorporated areas of the county. On other days, liquor stores may operate between 10:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Only licensed liquor stores can sell packaged spirits. Grocery stores and convenience stores are not permitted to sell packaged liquor in Cottle County.
As with beer and wine, the minimum age to purchase packaged liquor is 21. Strict ID verification is required for all liquor sales.
Places to Purchase Alcohol
Cottle County offers several options for purchasing alcohol, with varying hours and restrictions depending on the type of establishment. Local laws regulate where and when alcohol can be bought.
Liquor Stores
Liquor stores in Cottle County operate under specific time constraints. They are open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. These establishments remain closed on Sundays.
Liquor stores are the only places to purchase packaged hard liquor in the county. They offer a wide selection of spirits, wines, and sometimes beer. Customers must be 21 or older to enter and make purchases.
Bars and Restaurants
Bars and restaurants in Cottle County can serve alcohol for on-premise consumption. Operating hours for alcohol service may vary by establishment, but typically end at 2:00 a.m.
These venues must obtain proper licensing to serve alcohol. Many offer a variety of drinks, including beer, wine, and mixed cocktails. Some restaurants may have restrictions on serving alcohol without food purchases.
Supermarkets and Gas Stations
Supermarkets and gas stations in Cottle County can sell beer and wine, but not hard liquor. Their alcohol sales hours are more extensive than liquor stores.
These establishments can sell packaged beer and wine:
- Monday to Friday: 7:00 a.m. to midnight
- Saturday: 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
- Sunday: Noon to midnight
Convenience stores at gas stations often stock a selection of cold beer and wine for quick purchases. Supermarkets typically offer a broader range of beer and wine options.
Consumption Laws
Cottle County enforces strict regulations on alcohol consumption to promote public safety and responsible drinking. These laws address behavior in public spaces and on the roads.
Public Intoxication
Public intoxication is a punishable offense in Cottle County. Law enforcement can arrest individuals who appear intoxicated in public areas if they pose a danger to themselves or others. The legal threshold for intoxication is not solely based on Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) but also on observable behavior and impairment.
Penalties for public intoxication may include fines and potential jail time. Repeat offenders face more severe consequences. The county encourages responsible drinking and provides resources for those seeking help with alcohol-related issues.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
Cottle County strictly enforces DUI and DWI laws to protect road users. The legal BAC limit for drivers is 0.08%. However, drivers can be arrested for DUI or DWI even below this limit if they show signs of impairment.
Penalties for DUI and DWI offenses in Cottle County include:
- Fines up to $2,000 for first offense
- License suspension
- Mandatory alcohol education programs
- Possible jail time
Repeat offenders face harsher penalties, including higher fines and longer license suspensions. The county also implements sobriety checkpoints and increased patrols during high-risk periods to deter drunk driving.
Special Regulations
Cottle County has specific rules governing alcohol sales and consumption beyond standard state regulations. These include provisions for temporary events, holiday hours, and payment methods for alcohol purchases.
Temporary Events
Temporary alcohol permits are required for special events in Cottle County. Organizers must apply at least 10 days before the event. Permits cover a maximum of 4 consecutive days. Only beer and wine can be sold at temporary events, with no hard liquor allowed. Servers must complete Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) certification. Events must end by midnight, and alcohol sales must stop 30 minutes before closing. Security personnel are mandatory for events expecting over 100 attendees.
Holidays and Special Hours
Alcohol sales are prohibited on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day in Cottle County. On other holidays, hours may be restricted. Liquor stores must close by 9 PM on the day before these holidays. Bars can remain open until 2 AM on New Year’s Eve. Sunday sales of beer and wine are allowed from noon to midnight in grocery and convenience stores. Package stores cannot operate on Sundays.
Cash/Credit Law
Cottle County follows Texas state law regarding cash and credit alcohol purchases. Retailers can extend credit for alcohol, but payment is due within 25 days. Bars and restaurants must pay distributors in cash or by electronic funds transfer. Credit cards are accepted for alcohol purchases in stores and establishments. Checks are allowed but must clear before alcohol is released to the customer. Retailers cannot accept postdated checks for alcohol sales.
Penalties and Violations
Cottle County enforces strict penalties for alcohol-related violations. These align with Texas state laws and regulations set by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC).
Serving alcohol to minors is a serious offense. Establishments caught doing so may face administrative action against their business license. The individual who served the minor could also face criminal charges.
Selling alcohol to intoxicated persons is prohibited. Bars, restaurants, and liquor stores can be held liable for such violations. Employees working while intoxicated at these establishments are also breaking the law.
Public intoxication remains illegal in Cottle County. Law enforcement may detain individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others due to excessive alcohol consumption.
For minors, penalties escalate with repeat offenses. A first-time underage drinking offense typically results in a 30-day driver’s license suspension. Second offenses lead to 60-day suspensions, while third offenses carry 180-day suspensions.
Driving while intoxicated (DWI) carries severe consequences. Penalties may include fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. The severity increases for repeat offenders and those with high blood alcohol concentrations.