Grayson County, Texas, adheres to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, implementing state and local regulations for alcohol sales and consumption. The legal drinking age is 21, aligning with state law. Packaged liquor sales are prohibited on Sundays, while beer and wine can be sold from noon to midnight.
Specific time restrictions apply to alcohol sales in Grayson County. Packaged liquor may be purchased Monday through Saturday between 10:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Beer and wine sales are permitted from 7:00 a.m. to midnight on weekdays, with extended hours until 1:00 a.m. on Saturdays.
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) oversees alcohol regulations in Grayson County. A TABC outpost is located in Sherman, the county seat, providing local enforcement and guidance on alcohol-related matters. These laws aim to balance public safety with responsible alcohol consumption in the community.
General Overview of Grayson County Alcohol Laws
Grayson County, Texas follows state regulations for alcohol sales and consumption. The county has specific rules regarding the legal drinking age, wet/dry status, and approval processes for alcohol sales.
Drinking Age in Texas
The legal drinking age in Texas, including Grayson County, is 21 years old. This applies to all types of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and liquor. It is illegal for anyone under 21 to purchase, possess, or consume alcohol.
Law enforcement agencies in Grayson County strictly enforce this age limit. Penalties for violating the drinking age law can include fines, license suspension, and mandatory alcohol education programs.
Businesses selling alcohol must verify customers’ ages by checking valid identification. Selling alcohol to minors can result in severe consequences, including fines and loss of liquor licenses.
Wet/Dry Status of Grayson County
Grayson County has a mixed wet/dry status. Some areas allow alcohol sales, while others restrict them. The county permits the sale of beer and wine in certain locations.
Packaged liquor sales are prohibited on Sundays throughout the county. On other days, liquor can be sold from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Beer and wine sales have different hours:
- Sunday: Noon to midnight
- Monday to Friday: 7 a.m. to midnight
- Saturday: 7 a.m. to 1 a.m.
These rules apply to both on-premise consumption and off-premise sales. Individual cities within Grayson County may have additional restrictions.
County Approval Process for Alcohol Sales
Businesses seeking to sell alcohol in Grayson County must go through a multi-step approval process. This involves both local and state authorities.
Steps for obtaining an alcohol sales permit:
- Apply with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC)
- Obtain city approval
- Secure county approval
- Complete any required public notice requirements
- Submit the completed packet to TABC for final approval
The Grayson County Clerk’s office handles local applications. They can be reached at 903-813-4260 or vitals@co.grayson.tx.us. Fees vary depending on the type of license requested.
The TABC Sherman Outpost oversees alcohol regulation in the county. They can provide guidance on the application process and specific local requirements.
Licensing and Regulation
Grayson County’s alcohol licensing and regulation follow Texas state laws. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission oversees licensing, while the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code provides the legal framework for alcohol-related activities in the county.
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) is responsible for issuing licenses and permits for alcohol sales in Grayson County. Businesses must apply through the TABC Sherman Outpost located at 100 West Houston Street, 3rd Floor, Sherman, TX 75090.
TABC enforces compliance with state alcohol laws and conducts inspections of licensed establishments. The commission also provides education and training programs for license holders and their employees.
Applicants must obtain approval from both city and county authorities before submitting their application to TABC. The Grayson County Clerk’s office, located in the Grayson County Courthouse, plays a role in this process.
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code sets the legal standards for alcohol production, distribution, and sale in Grayson County. It defines license types, operating hours, and age restrictions for alcohol purchase and consumption.
Key provisions include:
- Minimum legal drinking age: 21 years
- Sale hours for packaged liquor: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday (prohibited on Sundays)
- Sale hours for beer and wine: 7:00 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Friday; 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. on Saturday; noon to midnight on Sunday
The code also outlines penalties for violations and empowers local authorities to implement additional regulations within state-defined limits.
Sale of Alcoholic Beverages
Grayson County, Texas follows specific regulations for the sale of alcoholic beverages. These rules govern when, where, and how alcohol can be sold to ensure responsible distribution and consumption.
Hours of Sale for Alcoholic Beverages
Bars and restaurants in Grayson County can serve alcoholic beverages from 7:00 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Friday. On Saturdays, service extends until 1:00 a.m., with the option to extend to 2:00 a.m. by county commission order.
Sunday sales have different restrictions. Alcohol service begins at noon and ends at midnight. These hours apply to on-premise consumption in bars and restaurants.
For off-premise sales, such as liquor stores and supermarkets, different rules may apply. It’s important to check with local authorities for specific off-premise sale hours.
Locations Where Alcohol Can Be Sold
In Grayson County, various establishments can sell alcohol, subject to proper licensing and local ordinances. Bars and restaurants can serve alcoholic beverages for on-premise consumption.
Supermarkets and gas stations typically sell beer and wine for off-premise consumption. However, the sale of packaged liquor is prohibited in Sherman, a city within Grayson County.
Liquor stores, where permitted, can sell packaged spirits, wine, and beer. The availability and types of alcohol sold may vary depending on specific local regulations within different parts of the county.
Sunday Sales and Brunch Hours
Sunday alcohol sales in Grayson County have unique regulations. Bars and restaurants can serve alcohol from noon to midnight on Sundays.
A special provision exists for Sunday brunch. This allows for earlier alcohol service on Sundays, typically starting at 10:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m., but exact times may vary.
These brunch hours apply specifically to restaurants serving food alongside alcoholic beverages. It’s designed to accommodate the popular tradition of Sunday brunch while maintaining responsible alcohol service practices.
Legal Drinking Behaviors
Grayson County, Texas enforces strict regulations on alcohol consumption and driving. These laws aim to promote responsible drinking and enhance public safety through defined limits, penalties, and educational initiatives.
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits
In Grayson County, the legal BAC limit is 0.08% for drivers aged 21 and over. For commercial drivers, the limit is lower at 0.04%. Drivers under 21 are subject to a zero-tolerance policy, meaning any detectable amount of alcohol can result in legal consequences.
BAC levels can be measured through breath, blood, or urine tests. Factors affecting BAC include body weight, gender, metabolism, and the amount and type of alcohol consumed. It’s crucial to note that impairment can occur below the legal limit.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
DUI and DWI are serious offenses in Grayson County. DUI typically applies to drivers under 21 with any detectable alcohol in their system. DWI refers to drivers of any age operating a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher.
Penalties for DUI/DWI offenses in Grayson County can include:
- Fines up to $2,000 for first offense
- License suspension
- Mandatory alcohol education programs
- Possible jail time
Repeat offenders face more severe consequences, including higher fines, longer license suspensions, and increased jail time.
Alcohol Education and Prevention Programs
Grayson County emphasizes education and prevention to combat alcohol-related issues. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) offers various programs:
- Seller/Server Certification: Trains alcohol retailers to prevent sales to minors and intoxicated individuals
- DWI Education Program: Mandatory for first-time DWI offenders
- Drug and Alcohol Driving Awareness Program: Focuses on the dangers of impaired driving
These programs aim to reduce alcohol-related incidents and promote responsible drinking behaviors. Participation can sometimes lead to reduced penalties for alcohol-related offenses.
Local schools and community organizations also collaborate on awareness campaigns targeting underage drinking and its consequences.
Compliance and Violations
Grayson County enforces strict alcohol laws to maintain public safety and order. Violations can result in severe penalties, including fines, license suspensions, and criminal charges. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) oversees enforcement and conducts administrative hearings for alleged infractions.
Standard Penalties for Violating Alcohol Laws
Penalties for alcohol law violations in Grayson County vary based on the offense severity. Common infractions include:
- Selling to minors: Up to $4,000 fine and 1 year in jail
- Serving intoxicated persons: $100-$500 fine for first offense
- Operating without a license: Class A misdemeanor, up to $4,000 fine and 1 year in jail
Repeat offenders face harsher penalties, including higher fines and longer jail terms. Businesses may have their alcohol licenses suspended or revoked for serious or repeated violations.
TABC Guidelines and Enforcement
The TABC enforces alcohol regulations through:
- Regular inspections of licensed premises
- Undercover operations to detect sales to minors
- Investigation of complaints from the public
TABC agents have authority to:
- Issue citations for violations
- Seize illegal alcohol
- Suspend licenses for immediate threats to public safety
Licensees must display their TABC permit prominently and maintain accurate records of alcohol purchases and sales.
Administrative Hearing Process
When the TABC alleges a violation:
- The licensee receives a notice of violation
- A hearing is scheduled before an administrative law judge
- Both sides present evidence and witnesses
- The judge issues a proposal for decision
The TABC commissioners then vote to accept, modify, or reject the judge’s proposal. Licensees can appeal decisions to district court within 30 days.
Penalties may include fines, license suspension, or revocation. The TABC considers factors like violation history and corrective actions taken when determining sanctions.
Local Considerations
Grayson County’s alcohol regulations exhibit some variations between municipalities. Specific rules around payment methods also impact how residents can purchase alcoholic beverages.
Municipal Variations Within Grayson County
Sherman, the county seat, prohibits packaged liquor sales entirely. However, beer and wine can be purchased there from 7 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturday, and noon to midnight on Sunday. Other cities like Denison may have differing ordinances.
Smaller towns such as Whitesboro, Collinsville, and Tom Bean likely follow county-wide regulations but may impose additional restrictions. Residents should check local ordinances, as rules can vary significantly between neighboring municipalities.
Cash/Credit Law Affecting Purchases
Texas state law mandates that liquor store purchases must be made in cash, check, or debit card. Credit cards are not accepted for packaged liquor sales in Grayson County or anywhere else in Texas.
This “cash law” applies to distilled spirits sold in liquor stores. Beer and wine purchases at grocery or convenience stores are not subject to this restriction. Customers should be prepared with appropriate payment methods when shopping for alcohol.
