Mills County, Texas maintains specific regulations governing alcohol sales and consumption. These laws dictate when and where residents can purchase and enjoy alcoholic beverages. In unincorporated areas of Mills County, packaged liquor sales are prohibited on Sundays, while beer and wine can be sold from noon to midnight.
The county follows Texas state guidelines for alcohol sales hours during weekdays. Packaged liquor may be sold from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Beer and wine sales are permitted between 7:00 a.m. and midnight, Monday through Friday, and from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. on Saturdays.
Goldthwaite, the county seat of Mills County, adheres to these regulations for packaged alcoholic beverage sales. The city’s laws reflect the county-wide restrictions, ensuring consistency across the region for both residents and visitors seeking to purchase alcohol.
Historical Background
Mills County’s alcohol regulations have been shaped by Texas’s unique local option system and evolving state laws. Local communities have exercised control over alcohol sales through elections, while broader shifts in state policy have influenced county-level rules.
Local Option Elections
Mills County has held local option elections to determine alcohol policies within its borders. These elections allow voters to decide whether to permit or prohibit alcohol sales in their area. Results can vary between precincts, creating a patchwork of wet and dry areas within the county.
Goldthwaite, the county seat, has seen its alcohol rules change through such elections. Voter preferences have shifted over time, reflecting changing attitudes towards alcohol consumption and sales. These local decisions have significant impacts on businesses and residents in different parts of the county.
Evolution of Alcohol Laws in Texas
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code has undergone numerous revisions since its inception. These changes have affected how counties like Mills regulate alcohol. Early laws gave counties broad authority to restrict or ban alcohol sales entirely.
More recent updates have loosened some restrictions while maintaining local control. The state has standardized certain aspects of alcohol regulation, such as legal drinking ages and sale hours. However, counties retain the ability to be more restrictive than state law requires.
Mills County’s current alcohol regulations reflect this complex interplay between state-level changes and local decision-making. The county must navigate evolving state laws while respecting the will of local voters expressed through option elections.
Legal Drinking Age
The legal drinking age in Mills County, Texas is 21 years old. This aligns with the statewide and federal minimum age for purchasing and consuming alcohol.
Texas has a zero tolerance law for underage drinking. Individuals under 21 caught with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system while driving face severe penalties.
There are some limited exceptions to the drinking age law in Texas. Minors may consume alcohol in the presence of a consenting parent, legal guardian, or spouse who is at least 21 years old.
Underage individuals caught purchasing, attempting to purchase, or possessing alcohol can face fines, community service, and driver’s license suspension. Providing alcohol to minors is also illegal.
Law enforcement in Mills County actively enforces underage drinking laws through methods like compliance checks at retailers and patrols targeting underage drinking parties.
Parents and guardians should be aware that allowing underage drinking, even in private residences, can result in criminal charges. The only exception is when directly supervising their own child.
Businesses that sell or serve alcohol must carefully verify customers’ ages to avoid penalties for serving minors. Valid government-issued photo ID is required as proof of age.
Alcohol Sales Regulations
Mills County, Texas enforces specific regulations governing alcohol sales across different establishments. These rules cover when and where alcohol can be sold, as well as restrictions for various types of vendors.
Package Stores
Package stores in Mills County face strict regulations on alcohol sales. They are prohibited from selling packaged liquor on Sundays. Sales are permitted Monday through Saturday between 10:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Stores must verify customer age before completing transactions. Failure to comply with age verification requirements can result in fines or license revocation.
Bars and Restaurants
Bars and restaurants in Mills County must adhere to state and local alcohol regulations. These establishments are required to obtain proper licensing to serve alcohol on their premises.
Last call times and serving hours vary depending on the specific license type. Most bars and restaurants can serve alcohol until 2:00 a.m., but some may have more restricted hours.
Supermarkets and Convenience Stores
Supermarkets and convenience stores in Mills County can sell beer and wine, but not liquor. These retailers may sell packaged beer and wine between noon and midnight on Sundays.
On weekdays, sales are permitted from 7:00 a.m. to midnight. Saturday sales hours extend from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Sunday morning.
Age verification is mandatory for all alcohol purchases. Stores must train employees on proper ID checking procedures.
Temporary Event Permits
Mills County issues temporary event permits for special occasions. These allow alcohol sales at events like festivals, fairs, or private gatherings.
Permit applicants must submit their requests well in advance. The county reviews each application to ensure compliance with local regulations.
Events with temporary permits must follow specific guidelines. These may include designated serving areas, security measures, and strict adherence to permitted hours of operation.
Hours of Sale
Alcohol sales hours in Mills County vary by establishment type and day of the week. Package stores have the most restricted hours, while bars and restaurants generally have later serving times.
Sunday sales are more limited across all vendor types. Packaged liquor sales are prohibited on Sundays, while beer and wine can only be sold after noon.
Weekday and Saturday sales typically start earlier and end later than Sunday sales. Most establishments must cease alcohol sales by 2:00 a.m. at the latest.
Holiday Restrictions
Mills County imposes additional restrictions on alcohol sales during certain holidays. These regulations aim to reduce alcohol-related incidents during high-risk periods.
Some holidays may prohibit alcohol sales entirely. Others might have reduced hours or limitations on the types of alcohol that can be sold.
Retailers and consumers should be aware of these special holiday rules. Violations can result in penalties for businesses and individuals.
Geographical Alcohol Sales Variations
Texas alcohol laws vary significantly across different areas of the state. Counties and cities have the power to determine specific regulations through local option elections. This creates a patchwork of wet and dry areas with diverse rules on alcohol sales and consumption.
Wet and Dry Counties
Texas contains a mix of wet and dry counties. Wet counties allow alcohol sales, while dry counties prohibit them. As of December 2023, 60 counties in Texas are completely wet.
Mills County’s status can change through local option elections. These elections allow voters to decide on permitting or restricting alcohol sales within their jurisdiction. The county may be partially wet, allowing some types of alcohol sales in certain areas.
Local Ordinances in Mills County
Mills County may have specific local ordinances governing alcohol sales and consumption. These can include:
• Restrictions on hours of alcohol sales
• Regulations on where alcohol can be sold or consumed
• Special permitting requirements for businesses
The exact rules can vary between incorporated cities and unincorporated areas of the county. Local law enforcement agencies are responsible for enforcing these ordinances.
Surrounding Counties
Alcohol regulations often differ in counties bordering Mills County:
San Saba County:
• May have different wet/dry status
• Could allow more or fewer types of alcohol sales
Lampasas County:
• Likely has its own set of local alcohol ordinances
Brown County:
• May permit alcohol sales prohibited in Mills County
Comanche and Hamilton Counties:
• Could have contrasting regulations on Sunday sales or public consumption
These variations can impact where residents purchase alcohol and lead to cross-county travel for certain products. Understanding the rules in neighboring areas is important for both consumers and businesses operating near county lines.
Licensing and Compliance
Obtaining proper licensing and maintaining compliance are crucial for any establishment looking to sell or serve alcohol in Mills County, Texas. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) oversees these processes to ensure safe and legal alcohol distribution.
Establishment Licensing Requirements
Businesses seeking to sell alcohol in Mills County must obtain the appropriate license or permit from the TABC. Different licenses are required based on the type of establishment and alcohol sold. For example, liquor stores need a Package Store Permit, while gas stations typically require a Beer Retail Dealer’s Off-Premise License.
The application process involves submitting detailed business information, passing background checks, and paying required fees. Local zoning laws and ordinances may also impact licensing eligibility.
Establishments must prominently display their TABC license and adhere to all regulations regarding hours of sale, age verification, and quantity limits.
TABC Certification and Training
All individuals who sell or serve alcohol in Mills County are required to complete TABC certification. This training covers:
- Laws and regulations regarding alcohol sales
- Proper identification checking
- Recognizing signs of intoxication
- Responsible serving practices
Certification is valid for two years and must be renewed regularly. Employers are responsible for ensuring their staff maintains current certification.
TABC offers both in-person and online training options. Many establishments choose to conduct group training sessions to ensure all employees are compliant.
Administrative Hearing Process
When violations occur, the TABC may initiate an administrative hearing process. This formal procedure addresses alleged infractions of alcohol laws or regulations.
Key aspects of the process include:
- Written notice of violation
- Opportunity for the establishment to respond
- Presentation of evidence by both parties
- Decision by an administrative law judge
Penalties for violations can range from fines to license suspension or revocation. Establishments have the right to appeal decisions through the legal system.
The TABC encourages voluntary compliance and often works with businesses to correct issues before resorting to formal hearings.
Legal Implications of Non-Compliance
Non-compliance with Mills County alcohol laws can result in serious legal consequences. Violators may face fines, jail time, license suspensions, and other penalties depending on the offense.
Alcohol-Related Offenses
Public intoxication in Mills County is a Class C misdemeanor. Offenders can face fines up to $500. Open container violations are also Class C misdemeanors with similar fines.
Selling alcohol to minors is a more serious offense. It’s classified as a Class A misdemeanor. Penalties include:
- Fines up to $4,000
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Driver’s license suspension for 180 days
Businesses caught selling to minors may have their alcohol licenses suspended or revoked.
DUI Enforcement and Penalties
Mills County law enforcement actively patrols for drunk drivers. First-time DUI offenders face:
- Fines up to $2,000
- 3-180 days in jail
- License suspension for up to 1 year
Repeat offenders face harsher penalties:
- Fines up to $10,000
- 2-10 years in prison
- License suspension for up to 2 years
Drivers may also be required to install ignition interlock devices in their vehicles.
Underage Drinking Penalties
Underage drinking carries strict penalties in Mills County. Minors caught possessing or consuming alcohol face:
- Fines up to $500
- 8-40 hours of community service
- Mandatory alcohol awareness classes
- Driver’s license suspension for 30-180 days
Repeat offenders may see increased fines and longer license suspensions. Parents who provide alcohol to minors can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor.
Underage DUI has even harsher consequences. Minors can lose their license for up to 1 year and face jail time, even for a first offense.
Alcohol Consumption and Public Safety
Mills County, Texas takes alcohol-related public safety seriously. The county enforces strict DUI laws to prevent impaired driving and protect residents.
Law enforcement conducts regular sobriety checkpoints and patrols to identify intoxicated drivers. Penalties for DUI offenses can include fines, license suspension, and possible jail time.
Alcohol awareness classes are often mandated for DUI offenders. These courses educate participants on responsible drinking and the dangers of impaired driving.
Local regulations govern where alcohol can be consumed in public spaces. Many areas prohibit open containers to reduce public intoxication and related disturbances.
The legal drinking age in Mills County, as in all of Texas, is 21. Establishments serving alcohol must verify patrons’ ages and can face penalties for serving minors.
Bars and restaurants follow specific guidelines for alcohol service. These include not over-serving patrons and offering designated driver programs.
Public safety officials work with local businesses to promote responsible alcohol consumption. This includes training for servers and educational campaigns in the community.
By balancing regulations with education, Mills County aims to foster a safe environment while allowing responsible alcohol consumption.
Famous Municipalities in Mills County
Mills County is home to several notable towns, each with its own unique characteristics and contributions to the area. These municipalities play important roles in the county’s economic and cultural landscape.
Goldthwaite
Goldthwaite serves as the county seat of Mills County. With a population of approximately 1,800 residents, it is the largest town in the county. The city was founded in 1885 and named after Joe Goldthwaite, a railroad official.
Goldthwaite’s economy primarily revolves around agriculture and ranching. The town hosts the annual Mills County Fair, drawing visitors from across the region.
Several historic buildings line the downtown area, including the Mills County Courthouse, built in 1913. This structure is a prime example of Classical Revival architecture.
Goldthwaite is known for its friendly atmosphere and strong sense of community. The town provides essential services to residents throughout Mills County.
Evant
Evant straddles the border of Mills and Coryell counties. Though small, with a population of around 400, it plays a significant role in the area’s history and culture.
The town was established in 1876 and named after Evant Brooks, an early settler. Evant’s economy is largely based on agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and crop farming.
Evant hosts the annual Evant Rodeo, a popular event that attracts participants and spectators from across Texas. This celebration showcases the town’s strong cowboy culture and traditions.
The Evant Independent School District serves students from both Mills and Coryell counties, making it an important educational center for the region.
Gustine
Gustine, located in the western part of Mills County, has a population of approximately 450 residents. The town was founded in the early 1890s and named after Gustine Coursey, the daughter of a local rancher.
Agriculture forms the backbone of Gustine’s economy. The area is known for its peanut farms, as well as cattle and goat ranching.
Gustine Independent School District serves the local community, providing education from pre-kindergarten through high school. The school’s sports teams, known as the Tigers, are a source of local pride.
The town maintains a close-knit community atmosphere, with several local businesses serving residents’ needs. Gustine’s annual homecoming celebration brings together current and former residents.
Blanket
Blanket, situated in the northwestern corner of Mills County, has a population of around 400 people. The town’s unusual name is said to come from a blanket of wildflowers that once covered the area.
Founded in the late 1870s, Blanket’s economy has traditionally been based on agriculture and ranching. Today, it serves as a residential community for those working in nearby larger towns.
Blanket Independent School District is a focal point of the community, providing education and hosting various events throughout the year. The school’s mascot is the Tiger.
The town is known for its annual Blanket Bluegrass Festival, which draws music enthusiasts from across the state. This event highlights the area’s rich cultural heritage and strong community spirit.
