Fannin County, Texas, like many areas in the Lone Star State, has specific alcohol and drinking laws that govern the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages. These regulations reflect the state’s complex relationship with alcohol, balancing local preferences with broader state guidelines.
In Fannin County’s unincorporated areas, the sale of packaged liquor is prohibited on Sundays, while packaged beer and wine can be sold from noon to midnight. On other days, packaged liquor sales are permitted from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Beer and wine sales extend from 7:00 a.m. to midnight on weekdays and from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. on Saturdays.
Texas allows for local variations in alcohol regulations, and Fannin County is no exception. These laws aim to strike a balance between access to alcoholic beverages and community standards, reflecting the county’s unique character within the broader Texas landscape.
Overview of Fannin County Alcohol Regulations
Fannin County, Texas follows the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code while implementing specific local ordinances. The county maintains strict control over alcohol sales and consumption.
In unincorporated areas of Fannin County, packaged liquor sales are prohibited on Sundays. Liquor stores may operate from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Beer and wine have different regulations. These can be sold on Sundays from noon to midnight. Monday through Friday, sales are permitted from 7:00 a.m. to midnight. On Saturdays, the hours extend from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
The legal drinking age in Fannin County, as in all of Texas, is 21 years old. This applies to the purchase, possession, and consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Fannin County has recently taken steps to allow wine and malt beverage consumption on specific premises in unincorporated areas. The county has also authorized farm wineries and tasting rooms in these locations.
These regulations aim to balance economic interests with public safety concerns. They reflect the county’s evolving approach to alcohol regulation within the framework of Texas state law.
Licensing and Sales
Fannin County follows Texas state regulations for alcohol licensing and sales, with some local variations. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) oversees licensing processes and enforces regulations across different types of establishments.
Liquor Stores and Packaged Liquor Sales
Liquor stores in Fannin County operate under strict guidelines. They can sell packaged liquor Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday sales are prohibited in unincorporated areas of the county.
Packaged beer and wine have different rules. These can be sold from noon to midnight on Sundays, 7:00 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday, and 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. on Saturdays.
Liquor store owners must obtain a Package Store Permit from TABC. This permit allows the sale of distilled spirits, wine, and malt beverages for off-premise consumption.
Bars and Restaurants
Bars and restaurants in Fannin County require specific TABC permits to serve alcohol. These include:
- Mixed Beverage Permit: Allows the sale of all types of alcoholic beverages for on-premise consumption
- Beer Retail Dealer’s On-Premise License: Permits the sale of beer for consumption on the premises
- Wine and Beer Retailer’s Permit: Allows the sale of wine, beer, and malt liquors for on-premise consumption
Bars can operate until 2:00 a.m. in areas where extended hours have been approved. Last call for alcohol is typically at 1:30 a.m.
Restaurants must ensure that alcohol sales do not exceed 50% of their total revenue to maintain their food and beverage certificate.
Gas Stations and Supermarkets
Gas stations and supermarkets in Fannin County can sell beer and wine for off-premise consumption with the appropriate TABC permit. They are subject to the same hours of sale as packaged beer and wine in liquor stores.
These establishments typically require:
- Beer Retail Dealer’s Off-Premise License
- Wine Only Package Store Permit
Gas stations and supermarkets cannot sell liquor in Texas. They must ensure proper age verification for all alcohol sales.
Temporary Events and Catering
Temporary events and catering services in Fannin County can serve alcohol with the proper TABC permits. Options include:
- Temporary Event Permit: Valid for up to 10 days
- Catering Permit: Allows holders of certain permits to provide alcoholic beverages at events off their licensed premises
Event organizers must ensure compliance with local ordinances and TABC regulations. This includes preventing sales to minors and intoxicated individuals.
Nonprofit organizations can apply for a Temporary Charitable Auction Permit to auction alcoholic beverages for fundraising purposes.
Operating Hours and Holidays
Fannin County, Texas enforces specific regulations for alcohol sales. These rules dictate when and where residents can purchase alcoholic beverages, with special considerations for holidays and Sundays.
General Operating Hours for Alcohol Sales
Packaged liquor sales in Fannin County are permitted Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Liquor stores must remain closed on Sundays.
Beer and wine have different rules. These beverages can be sold:
- 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
Restaurants and bars with proper licenses may serve alcohol during their regular business hours, subject to local ordinances.
Holiday Restrictions and Observances
Certain holidays impact alcohol sales in Fannin County. On New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day, packaged liquor sales are prohibited.
Beer and wine sales typically continue on these holidays, but with adjusted hours. Some establishments may choose to close or modify their schedules.
Local law enforcement often increases patrols during major holidays to ensure compliance with alcohol regulations and promote public safety.
Residents should check with specific retailers for any variations in operating hours around holidays, as some may adjust their schedules accordingly.
Legal Requirements for Consumers
Fannin County, Texas enforces strict alcohol consumption laws to promote public safety and responsible drinking. Consumers must adhere to specific regulations regarding age restrictions, identification requirements, and public behavior.
Legal Drinking Age and Identification
The legal drinking age in Fannin County, Texas is 21 years old. This aligns with state and federal regulations. Individuals under 21 are prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or consuming alcoholic beverages.
Valid identification is required when purchasing alcohol. Acceptable forms include:
- Texas Driver’s License
- Texas ID Card
- U.S. Passport
- Military ID
Retailers are legally obligated to verify age before selling alcohol. Using fake identification to purchase alcohol is a criminal offense.
Public Intoxication Laws
Public intoxication is illegal in Fannin County. Law enforcement can arrest individuals who appear intoxicated in public spaces if they pose a danger to themselves or others.
Signs of public intoxication include:
- Impaired speech
- Lack of coordination
- Disorderly conduct
Penalties for public intoxication may involve fines, community service, or mandatory alcohol education programs. Repeat offenses can result in more severe consequences, including potential jail time.
Consumers are advised to drink responsibly and arrange safe transportation when consuming alcohol outside their homes.
Local Option Elections and Dry Regions
Local option elections allow Texas communities to decide their alcohol policies. These votes determine whether a county or city will permit alcohol sales and to what extent.
As of December 2024, Fannin County’s alcohol regulations stem from such elections. The county is not fully dry, but specific areas may have stricter rules than others.
Types of Local Option Elections:
- Legalizing alcohol sales
- Prohibiting alcohol sales
- Allowing specific types of alcohol (e.g. beer and wine only)
- Permitting on-premise or off-premise consumption
Elections must occur on uniform dates set by Texas law. These are typically the first Saturday in May or the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
Dry counties in Texas have decreased over time. In 1986, there were 62 dry counties. By 2021, only 5 remained completely dry.
Fannin County’s current status reflects a mix of wet and dry areas. Some parts may allow alcohol sales, while others restrict them. This patchwork of regulations is common in Texas counties.
Residents seeking changes to local alcohol laws can petition for a new election. County clerks must notify the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission within 15 days of issuing such petitions.
Municipal Variances within Fannin County
Alcohol regulations in Fannin County vary significantly between municipalities. Local ordinances shape the landscape of alcohol sales and consumption across different cities and towns.
Specifics for Dodd City and Windom
Dodd City maintains strict alcohol regulations. The sale of packaged liquor is prohibited within city limits. Beer and wine sales are permitted in certain establishments, but with time restrictions.
Windom allows the sale of beer and wine in grocery stores and convenience stores. However, the sale of hard liquor is restricted to specific areas outside the city center.
Both cities prohibit public consumption of alcohol. Violations can result in fines or community service.
Regulations in Honey Grove and Ravenna
Honey Grove permits the sale of beer, wine, and liquor in licensed establishments. Bars and restaurants can serve alcohol until midnight on weekdays and 1 AM on weekends.
Ravenna has more lenient alcohol laws. The city allows the sale of all types of alcoholic beverages in retail stores. Bars can operate until 2 AM every night.
Both municipalities enforce strict ID checks for alcohol purchases. Selling to minors carries severe penalties, including license revocation.
Bailey, Savoy, and Leonard
Bailey allows the sale of beer and wine in grocery stores but prohibits liquor stores within city limits. Restaurants can serve alcohol with meals until 10 PM.
Savoy permits alcohol sales in all forms but enforces a dry Sunday policy. No alcohol can be sold or served on Sundays.
Leonard has the most relaxed alcohol laws among the three. It allows liquor stores and bars to operate seven days a week. However, public intoxication laws are strictly enforced.
Understanding Bells and Kemp
Bells allows the sale of beer and wine in retail stores but prohibits liquor stores. Restaurants can serve alcohol with meals until midnight.
Kemp permits all types of alcohol sales but enforces strict zoning laws. Liquor stores and bars must be located at least 1000 feet from schools and churches.
Both cities have implemented designated driver programs to reduce drunk driving incidents. Local law enforcement conducts regular sobriety checkpoints on weekends.