Johnson County, Texas, adheres to a set of alcohol and drinking laws that blend state-wide regulations with local ordinances. These laws govern the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages within the county’s boundaries. In Johnson County, packaged liquor sales are prohibited on Sundays, while beer and wine can be purchased between noon and midnight on Sundays.
The county follows Texas state law regarding the hours of sale for alcoholic beverages. Packaged liquor may be sold from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Beer and wine sales are permitted from 7:00 a.m. to midnight on weekdays and Saturdays, with an extended hour until 1:00 a.m. on Saturday nights.
For businesses seeking to sell alcohol in Johnson County, certification from both the city and county is required. The County Clerk’s office verifies the wet/dry status and license type for each location indicated on applications. These regulations aim to balance community safety with consumer access to alcoholic beverages.
Overview of Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code governs the sale and consumption of alcohol in the state. It establishes regulations, licensing requirements, and enforcement mechanisms to promote responsible alcohol practices.
State Governance of Alcohol Sales
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code sets comprehensive rules for alcohol sales. It defines different types of licenses and permits required for selling or serving alcoholic beverages.
The code outlines specific hours of operation for alcohol sales. For example, in Johnson County, bars and restaurants can serve alcohol from noon to midnight on Sundays, and 7:00 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday.
Local jurisdictions may have additional restrictions. Some areas in Texas remain “dry,” prohibiting alcohol sales entirely.
The code also regulates packaging, labeling, and advertising of alcoholic beverages to ensure consumer protection and prevent misleading practices.
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) Role
The TABC enforces the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code. It issues licenses and permits to businesses selling or serving alcohol.
The commission conducts regular inspections of licensed premises to ensure compliance with state laws and regulations. It has the authority to issue fines or revoke licenses for violations.
TABC offers educational programs to promote responsible alcohol service and consumption. These programs aim to reduce underage drinking and alcohol-related incidents.
The commission also investigates complaints related to alcohol sales and service. It works closely with local law enforcement agencies to address alcohol-related issues.
Understanding the Legal Drinking Age
The legal drinking age in Texas is 21, as mandated by federal law. This applies to the purchase, possession, and consumption of alcoholic beverages.
It is illegal for anyone under 21 to attempt to buy alcohol using false identification. Penalties for violating this law can include fines, license suspension, and mandatory alcohol education classes.
There are limited exceptions to the drinking age law. For instance, minors may consume alcohol in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
The TABC conducts regular sting operations to catch businesses selling alcohol to minors. Penalties for selling to underage individuals can be severe, including fines and license revocation.
Johnson County Alcohol Regulations
Johnson County’s alcohol regulations are shaped by local option elections and administered through the County Clerk’s office. These rules determine the types of alcohol sales permitted within the county’s boundaries.
Local Option Elections and Implications
Local option elections allow Johnson County voters to decide on alcohol sales within their communities. These elections can authorize or prohibit the sale of beer, wine, and liquor. Currently, Johnson County permits the sale of beer and wine for off-premise consumption in most areas.
Some cities within the county may have different regulations. For example, Cleburne allows the sale of mixed beverages in restaurants. Burleson, straddling Johnson and Tarrant counties, has more permissive alcohol sales.
The results of these elections can impact local businesses, tax revenues, and community character. Proponents argue that alcohol sales boost economic development, while opponents cite concerns about public safety and community values.
Johnson County Clerk’s Role in Alcohol Permits
The Johnson County Clerk’s office plays a crucial role in processing alcohol permit applications. Businesses seeking to sell alcohol must first obtain approval from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC).
After TABC approval, applicants must submit their paperwork to the County Clerk. The office verifies that the proposed location complies with local regulations and zoning laws. They also ensure that the business meets distance requirements from schools, churches, and hospitals.
The County Clerk maintains records of all approved alcohol permits in Johnson County. This information is available to the public, promoting transparency in local alcohol regulations. The office also assists with permit renewals and transfers as needed.
Alcohol Sale and Purchase Laws
Johnson County, Texas follows state regulations for alcohol sales with some local variations. The laws cover specific hours, locations, and types of alcohol that can be sold or purchased.
Hours and Conditions for Alcohol Sales
Alcohol sales in Johnson County are permitted during specific hours. Packaged beer and wine can be sold from 7:00 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday, and from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. on Saturday.
On-premise consumption at bars and restaurants is allowed until 2:00 a.m. daily. Last call typically occurs around 1:30 a.m. to ensure compliance with the 2:00 a.m. cutoff.
Liquor stores operate under stricter hours. They can sell packaged liquor from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. These establishments must remain closed on Sundays.
Special Provisions for Restaurants and Bars
Restaurants and bars in Johnson County must adhere to specific regulations. They can serve alcohol for on-premise consumption between 10:00 a.m. and midnight Monday through Saturday.
On Sundays, these establishments can serve alcohol from noon to midnight. However, they must possess the appropriate licenses and permits from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC).
Restaurants are required to derive at least 51% of their gross revenue from food sales to maintain their alcohol service permits. This rule ensures that food remains a primary focus in dining establishments.
Sunday Sales and Sunday Brunch Rules
Sunday alcohol sales follow distinct rules in Johnson County. Packaged beer and wine can be sold from noon to midnight on Sundays. This applies to grocery stores, convenience stores, and other retailers.
Restaurants can serve alcohol starting at 10:00 a.m. on Sundays if they also serve food. This provision accommodates Sunday brunch service, allowing patrons to enjoy mimosas or bloody marys with their meals.
Bars without food service must wait until noon on Sundays to begin serving alcohol. This rule applies even if the establishment opened earlier for non-alcoholic service.
Packaged Liquor and Beer Sales in Johnson County
Packaged liquor sales in Johnson County are prohibited on Sundays. Liquor stores must remain closed, and no other retailers can sell distilled spirits for off-premise consumption.
Beer and wine can be purchased for off-premise consumption from various retailers. This includes grocery stores, convenience stores, and some gas stations. These sales are permitted from 7:00 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday.
On Saturdays, packaged beer and wine sales can continue until 1:00 a.m. Sunday morning. Sunday sales resume at noon and continue until midnight. These rules apply consistently throughout Johnson County.
Licensing and Certification
Obtaining proper licensing and certification is crucial for businesses selling or serving alcohol in Johnson County, Texas. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) oversees this process, working with local authorities to ensure compliance.
TABC Certification Requirements
TABC certification is mandatory for individuals involved in alcohol sales or service. This includes bartenders, servers, and store clerks. The certification course covers topics like responsible serving practices, Texas alcohol laws, and identifying fake IDs.
Courses can be completed online or in-person through TABC-approved providers. Certification is valid for two years and must be renewed before expiration.
Managers of establishments selling alcohol are often required to obtain additional certifications. These may include food handler’s permits or specific management-level TABC courses.
Local Business Certifications and TABC Applications
Businesses planning to sell alcohol in Johnson County must navigate both local and state requirements. The process begins with obtaining necessary local certifications from city and county offices.
After securing local approvals, businesses apply for TABC permits or licenses. Application types vary based on the business model (e.g. liquor store, gas station, supermarket).
TABC applications require detailed information about the business, including ownership structure and location specifics. A 60-day public notice period is often required, during which the application is posted at the proposed location.
Applicants must also obtain certifications from the Texas Secretary of State and Comptroller of Public Accounts. These ensure proper business registration and tax compliance.
Alcohol Consumption Regulations
Johnson County, Texas follows state regulations for alcohol consumption while implementing specific local ordinances. These laws cover where and when alcohol can be consumed as well as penalties for violations.
Public vs. Private Consumption Guidelines
Alcohol consumption in Johnson County is prohibited in most public spaces. Parks, streets, and sidewalks are off-limits for open containers. Private property and licensed establishments are generally acceptable for drinking.
Restaurants and bars can serve alcohol during permitted hours. These venues must follow strict guidelines on serving times and patron age limits. Many require patrons to be 21 or older after certain hours.
Private residences have fewer restrictions. Adults of legal drinking age may consume alcohol in their homes. Homeowners can also serve alcohol to guests, but may be held liable for underage drinking on their property.
Open Container and DUI Laws
Texas open container laws apply in Johnson County. It’s illegal to have an open alcoholic beverage in the passenger area of a motor vehicle on a public highway. This includes while parked.
Exceptions exist for certain vehicles like buses, taxis, and motorhomes. Passengers in these may consume alcohol if local ordinances allow it.
DUI enforcement is strict in Johnson County. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. Drivers under 21 face a zero-tolerance policy. Penalties for DUI can include:
- Fines up to $2,000 for first offense
- License suspension
- Jail time
- Mandatory alcohol education programs
Law enforcement may set up sobriety checkpoints to catch impaired drivers, especially during holidays or major events.
Violations and Penalties
Johnson County, Texas takes alcohol law violations seriously. Penalties vary based on the specific offense and can include fines, license suspensions, and even criminal charges in some cases.
Standard Penalties for Violating Alcohol Laws
Serving alcohol to minors is a major offense in Johnson County. First-time violators face fines up to $4,000 and up to one year in jail. Repeat offenses carry harsher penalties.
Businesses caught selling alcohol to intoxicated persons risk fines and potential license suspension. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) may impose administrative penalties on establishments violating regulations.
Drunk driving offenses result in:
- First offense: Up to $2,000 fine, 3-180 days in jail, license suspension up to 1 year
- Second offense: Up to $4,000 fine, 1 month to 1 year in jail, license suspension up to 2 years
- Third offense: $10,000 fine, 2-10 years in prison, license suspension up to 2 years
Local Ordinances and Additional Regulations
Johnson County municipalities may enact stricter local ordinances. Some cities impose curfews on late-night alcohol sales. Others restrict public consumption in certain areas.
Cleburne, the county seat, prohibits open containers in vehicles and public spaces. Violations incur fines starting at $200.
Businesses must adhere to specific operating hours:
- Package stores: 10 AM – 9 PM Monday-Saturday (closed Sundays)
- Beer/wine retailers: 7 AM – Midnight Monday-Friday, 7 AM – 1 AM Saturday, Noon – Midnight Sunday
Selling outside these hours can result in fines and potential license revocation for repeat offenses.
Johnson County Communities and Alcohol Laws
Johnson County’s cities and towns have varying alcohol regulations shaped by local ordinances and state laws. These rules impact the sale, service, and consumption of alcoholic beverages across different municipalities.
Specific Rules in Cleburne and Burleson
Cleburne, the county seat, allows the sale of beer and wine in grocery and convenience stores. Restaurants can serve mixed drinks with a proper license. Liquor stores are prohibited within city limits.
Burleson bans packaged liquor sales entirely. Beer and wine sales are permitted from 7:00 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday. On Saturdays, sales can continue until 1:00 a.m. Sunday sales are restricted to noon to midnight.
Both cities enforce strict penalties for public intoxication and driving under the influence. Open container laws prohibit alcohol consumption in public spaces and vehicles.
Alcohol Legislation in Keene and Godley
Keene maintains stricter alcohol policies due to its religious heritage. The city prohibits all alcohol sales within its boundaries. Residents must travel to nearby towns to purchase alcoholic beverages.
Godley allows limited alcohol sales. Beer and wine can be sold in stores, but liquor sales are banned. The city restricts the number of establishments that can obtain alcohol licenses.
Both Keene and Godley enforce strict zoning regulations regarding the location of businesses selling alcohol. These rules aim to keep such establishments away from schools and churches.
Local Laws in Cross Timber, Briaroaks, and Surrounding Areas
Cross Timber and Briaroaks follow similar alcohol regulations. Both allow beer and wine sales in stores from 7:00 a.m. to midnight on weekdays and Saturdays. Sunday sales are permitted from noon to midnight.
Neither town permits liquor stores within their limits. Restaurants can serve alcohol with proper licensing and adherence to specific guidelines.
Surrounding unincorporated areas of Johnson County follow state laws regarding alcohol sales and consumption. These areas may have fewer restrictions compared to the incorporated cities and towns.
Surrounding Counties and Comparative Laws
Johnson County’s alcohol regulations differ from those of neighboring areas. Local policies shape the landscape of alcohol sales and consumption across the region.
Somervell County and Its Alcohol Policies
Somervell County, directly southwest of Johnson County, maintains distinct alcohol laws. The county allows the sale of beer and wine for off-premise consumption. However, liquor sales are prohibited county-wide.
Restaurants in Somervell County can serve alcohol with a food and beverage certificate. This requires that food sales make up at least 60% of their total revenue.
Glen Rose, the county seat, follows these regulations closely. The city permits beer and wine sales in grocery stores and convenience stores from 7 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday, and until 1 a.m. on Saturdays.
Alcohol Laws in Neighboring Cities and Communities
Surrounding cities in Tarrant County often have more permissive alcohol policies than Johnson County. Mansfield allows the sale of all alcoholic beverages, including liquor, for off-premise consumption.
Kennedale and Forest Hill also permit liquor stores. These cities follow standard Texas hours for alcohol sales:
- Beer and wine: 7 a.m. to midnight (1 a.m. Saturdays)
- Liquor: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (closed Sundays)
Benbrook and Crowley allow beer and wine sales in stores, but prohibit liquor stores. Restaurants in these cities can serve mixed drinks with a proper license.
Venus, straddling Johnson and Ellis counties, follows more restrictive policies similar to Johnson County’s regulations.