Dallam County, Texas has specific alcohol and drinking laws that residents and visitors should be aware of. These regulations govern the sale, distribution, and consumption of alcoholic beverages within the county.
In unincorporated areas of Dallam County, packaged liquor sales are prohibited on Sundays and restricted to 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. This aligns with Texas state laws regulating alcohol sales hours. It’s important to note that incorporated areas within the county may have different regulations.
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) oversees alcohol-related laws and regulations statewide. Dallam County follows TABC guidelines to ensure compliance with state laws and local ordinances. Understanding these rules helps maintain community safety and promotes responsible alcohol consumption.
Overview of Texas Alcohol Laws
Texas alcohol laws are governed by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC). The TABC enforces regulations outlined in the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code.
These laws cover various aspects of alcohol production, distribution, and consumption across the state. They establish legal drinking ages, licensing requirements for businesses, and operating hours for alcohol sales.
The legal drinking age in Texas is 21. It is illegal to provide alcohol to minors or to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher.
Alcohol sales hours vary by beverage type and location. In most areas, packaged liquor can be sold Monday through Saturday, typically between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. Beer and wine sales hours are generally longer.
Some counties and cities in Texas remain “dry,” prohibiting alcohol sales entirely. Others are “partially wet,” allowing only certain types of alcohol sales.
The TABC issues licenses and permits for alcohol manufacture, distribution, and retail sales. Businesses must comply with specific regulations based on their license type.
Texas law also addresses issues like open container policies, public intoxication, and alcohol service training requirements for industry employees.
Legal Drinking Age in Texas
Texas law sets the legal drinking age at 21 years old. This applies to purchasing, possessing, and consuming alcoholic beverages in public places throughout the state, including Dallam County.
Age Verification Requirements
Establishments selling alcohol must verify customers are at least 21 years old before serving or selling them alcoholic beverages. Valid government-issued photo IDs are required as proof of age. These include driver’s licenses, state ID cards, passports, and military IDs.
Bars, restaurants, and stores use ID scanners or manual checks to confirm birthdates. Fake IDs are illegal and can result in serious penalties. Parents may allow their minor children to consume alcohol under their supervision in private settings.
Businesses face fines and license suspensions for serving underage patrons. Law enforcement conducts regular compliance checks using underage decoys to ensure establishments follow age verification laws.
Alcohol Sale Regulations
Dallam County follows Texas state laws for alcohol sales, with some additional local restrictions. The regulations cover licensing, operating hours, and types of alcohol that can be sold at different establishments.
Licensing for Liquor Stores
Liquor stores in Dallam County must obtain a package store permit from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC). This permit allows the sale of distilled spirits, wine, and malt beverages for off-premise consumption.
The application process involves submitting detailed documentation and paying required fees. Background checks are conducted on applicants to ensure compliance with state laws.
Licenses must be renewed annually, and stores must maintain compliance with all TABC regulations to keep their permits active.
Hours of Sale for Alcohol
Dallam County adheres to state-mandated hours for alcohol sales. Packaged liquor may be sold from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Beer and wine sales hours are more extensive:
- Monday to Friday: 7:00 a.m. to midnight
- Saturday: 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. (Sunday morning)
- Sunday: noon to midnight
These hours apply to all retail establishments selling alcohol for off-premise consumption.
Packaged Liquor Regulations
The sale of packaged liquor is prohibited on Sundays in Dallam County. This restriction applies to liquor stores and other retailers selling distilled spirits.
Only liquor stores with proper TABC licensing can sell packaged liquor. The maximum alcohol content for beverages sold as packaged liquor is 17% by volume.
Retailers must verify customers’ age before selling alcohol. The minimum legal age to purchase alcohol in Texas is 21 years old.
Convenience Store and Supermarket Limitations
Convenience stores and supermarkets in Dallam County can sell beer and wine but not liquor. These establishments must obtain the appropriate TABC permit for off-premise beer and wine sales.
They must follow the same hours of sale as other retailers. Employees handling alcohol sales must be at least 18 years old and receive proper training in responsible beverage service.
Stores must display signage indicating alcohol sale hours and age restrictions. They are also required to keep alcohol separate from non-alcoholic items.
Local Option Elections and Jurisdiction
Dallam County residents can vote on local alcohol regulations through local option elections. These elections determine whether to allow or prohibit various types of alcohol sales within specific areas.
The county is currently “partially wet,” meaning some alcohol sales are permitted while others are restricted. Different precincts within the county may have varying regulations based on past local option election results.
To initiate a local option election, residents must gather signatures from at least 35% of registered voters who voted in the last gubernatorial election. The election results can change the types of alcohol sales permitted in the affected area.
Drinking and Public Conduct
Dallam County enforces specific laws regarding public intoxication and open containers to maintain order and safety. These regulations aim to prevent alcohol-related incidents and promote responsible drinking behavior.
Public Intoxication Laws
Public intoxication is a punishable offense in Dallam County. An individual may be considered intoxicated if they appear to have lost control of their mental or physical faculties due to alcohol consumption. Law enforcement officers can detain a person who seems intoxicated in public spaces.
Penalties for public intoxication may include fines and potential jail time. The severity of consequences often depends on factors such as prior offenses and the individual’s conduct during the incident.
Open Container Regulations
Open container laws in Dallam County prohibit the possession of open alcoholic beverage containers in certain public areas. These regulations apply to both drivers and passengers in vehicles.
It is illegal to have an open container of alcohol in the passenger area of a motor vehicle on public roads. This includes areas accessible to the driver while seated, such as the glove compartment.
Exceptions may exist for passengers in certain types of vehicles, like buses or limousines. Violators of open container laws may face fines and potential legal consequences.
Driving Under the Influence
Dallam County enforces strict laws against operating vehicles while impaired by alcohol. These regulations aim to prevent accidents and promote public safety on roads and waterways.
DWI and DUI Laws
In Dallam County, driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious offense. It applies to individuals operating motor vehicles with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. For drivers under 21, any detectable amount of alcohol can result in charges.
DUI specifically refers to minors driving with any alcohol in their system. This zero-tolerance policy for underage drivers reflects Texas’s commitment to preventing youth alcohol abuse.
Both DWI and DUI laws cover operation of cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other motor vehicles on public roads.
Enforcement and Penalties
Law enforcement in Dallam County actively patrols for impaired drivers. Officers may conduct sobriety checkpoints and use breathalyzers to test suspected offenders.
First-time DWI offenders face:
- Up to 180 days in jail
- Fines up to $2,000
- License suspension for up to 1 year
Repeat offenses carry harsher punishments. A third DWI is a felony with potential prison time.
DUI penalties for minors include:
- License suspension
- Fines
- Mandatory alcohol awareness classes
Blood Alcohol Concentration Limits
The legal BAC limit in Dallam County is:
- 0.08% for drivers 21 and older
- 0.04% for commercial drivers
- Any detectable amount for drivers under 21
BAC is typically measured through breath, blood, or urine tests. Refusing a test can result in automatic license suspension.
Factors affecting BAC include:
- Body weight
- Gender
- Food consumption
- Rate of alcohol intake
Boating While Intoxicated
Dallam County’s intoxication laws extend to waterways. Operating a boat with a BAC of 0.08% or higher is illegal.
Penalties for boating while intoxicated mirror those for DWI:
- Fines up to $2,000
- Jail time up to 180 days
- Suspension of boating privileges
Law enforcement conducts regular patrols on lakes and rivers to enforce these regulations. Boaters should designate a sober operator to ensure safety on the water.
Alcohol-Related Offenses
Texas law imposes strict penalties for alcohol-related offenses, particularly those involving injury or death. The severity of charges increases based on the harm caused and prior convictions.
Intoxication Assault and Manslaughter
Intoxication assault occurs when an intoxicated driver causes serious bodily injury to another person. This offense is classified as a third-degree felony in Texas. Penalties may include 2-10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
Intoxication manslaughter is charged when an impaired driver causes a fatality. This crime is a second-degree felony, carrying 2-20 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Multiple deaths can result in separate charges for each victim.
Conviction for either offense leads to driver’s license suspension. The court may also mandate alcohol education programs or the installation of an ignition interlock device.
Prior DWI convictions elevate the charges and potential sentences for intoxication assault or manslaughter. Repeat offenders face harsher penalties and longer prison terms.
Special Provisions and Exceptions
Dallam County’s alcohol regulations include specific rules for temporary events, unincorporated areas, and certain holidays. These provisions aim to balance community needs with responsible alcohol service and consumption.
Temporary Event Permits
Temporary event permits in Dallam County allow for alcohol service at special occasions. Organizers must apply for these permits well in advance. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) reviews applications to ensure compliance with state and local laws.
Events like festivals, fairs, and private functions may qualify for temporary permits. These permits typically have strict time limits and specific requirements for alcohol service. Servers at these events must be TABC-certified and follow all regulations regarding age verification and responsible serving practices.
Unincorporated Areas and Gas Stations
Unincorporated areas of Dallam County have distinct alcohol regulations. The sale of packaged liquor is prohibited on Sundays in these areas. Weekday sales are permitted from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Gas stations in unincorporated areas face additional restrictions. They may sell beer and wine, but not hard liquor. Sales hours for beer and wine at gas stations are:
- Sunday: 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
- Monday-Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
- Saturday: 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Holiday Restrictions and Permissions
Dallam County observes specific holiday restrictions on alcohol sales. Liquor stores must close on major holidays including New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Beer and wine sales at grocery and convenience stores may continue on these holidays, subject to regular hours.
Some holidays see extended hours for alcohol sales. For example, when New Year’s Eve falls on a Sunday, the county may allow extended hours for beer and wine sales to accommodate celebrations.
Restaurants and bars with proper licensing may serve alcohol on holidays, adhering to their regular permitted hours. However, they must still comply with all other regulations, including age verification and responsible service practices.
Consumer Rights and Responsibilities
Consumers in Dallam County have specific rights and responsibilities when purchasing and consuming alcoholic beverages. These regulations aim to promote responsible drinking and protect both buyers and sellers.
Cash and Credit Law in Texas
Texas law requires alcohol retailers to receive payment in full at the time of purchase. This means consumers must pay for alcoholic beverages immediately, either with cash or credit. Retailers cannot extend credit or allow customers to run a tab for alcohol purchases.
The law applies to all types of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits. It covers sales in bars, restaurants, liquor stores, and other establishments licensed to sell alcohol.
Consumers should be aware that using a credit card for alcohol purchases is considered immediate payment under Texas law. However, some establishments may choose to accept only cash for alcohol transactions.
This regulation helps prevent overconsumption by ensuring customers can afford their purchases. It also protects retailers from potential losses due to unpaid tabs.
Resources
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) provides crucial information and support for alcohol-related matters in Dallam County. Legal resources are also available to assist residents and businesses with understanding and complying with local alcohol laws.
Contact Information for TABC
The TABC’s regional office serving Dallam County is located in Lubbock. To reach this office, call 806-793-3221. For general inquiries, contact the TABC headquarters in Austin at 512-206-3333.
The TABC website (www.tabc.texas.gov) offers a wealth of information on alcohol regulations. Visitors can access forms, publications, and online services.
For licensing questions specific to Dallam County, email licensing@tabc.texas.gov. Enforcement issues can be directed to enforcement@tabc.texas.gov.
Legal Resources and Advisory
The Dallam County Clerk’s office provides information on local alcohol ordinances. Contact them at 806-244-2631 for clarification on county-specific regulations.
For legal advice, consult the State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Service at 800-252-9690. They can connect individuals with attorneys specializing in alcohol law.
The Texas Restaurant Association offers resources and guidance for businesses serving alcohol. Their legal hotline (800-395-2872) assists members with compliance questions.
TABC’s Legal Division publishes advisory opinions on alcohol laws. These can be found on the TABC website and provide valuable interpretations of complex regulations.