The legislation, if approved by the 86th Legislature, would repeal one of the remaining so-called “blue laws” in Texas.
“Allowing Sunday sales in Texas is long overdue. I’ve heard from many constituents – including small business owners – who have asked me to file this bill to let the free market be free,” State Rep. Richard Peña Raymond (D) said. “Now is the time for Texas to repeal this outdated law.”
HB 1100 would allow package stores to open between noon and 10 p.m. on Sundays and between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. on Monday through Saturday.
Dale Szyndrowski, vice president of the Distilled Spirits Council, said: “This legislation will go a long way toward modernizing the Texas marketplace and provide consumers the convenience they demand. Although Texas repealed most ‘blue laws’ on the books more than 30 years ago, the state still bans the retail sale of distilled spirits on Sundays.”
Today, 42 states allow the sales of spirits on Sunday. Texas already allows Sunday sales of all other alcohol beverages for all other retailers, including bars, restaurants, clubs, grocery and convenience stores and hotels.
In 2018, the Texas Republican Party at its convention in San Antonio included a provision in its platform urging the Texas Legislature to eliminate antiquated “blue laws.”
“Consumers want to purchase spirits when they want and where they want. This legislation would bring the state in line with consumer buying preferences,” Szyndrowski said. “Texas lawmakers have an opportunity to bring state spirits laws into the modern age and promote a free and fair market to encourage competition, innovation and economic growth.”