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Texas Bars And Restaurants Now Have A Permanent Shot At Selling Alcohol To-Go

Nickel City barback Hana Banks pours shots into disposable plastic containers. The east side bar adapted to the coronavirus pandemic by developing a delivery service.
Michael Minasi
/
KUT
Nickel City barback Hana Banks pours shots into disposable plastic containers. The east side bar adapted to the coronavirus pandemic by developing a delivery service.

After Gov. Greg Abbott's signature Wednesday afternoon, it's now legal for bars and restaurants to sell cocktails to-go — even after the pandemic.

Abbott first waived Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission rules to allow bars and restaurants to sell alcohol to-go amid the statewide shutdown last year, and lawmakers fast-tracked a bill to make the waiver permanent.

The bill was approved by both the House and Senate by more than a two-thirds majority, so the COVID-era waiver is now effective immediately after the governor's signature.

Bars and restaurants with an on-site food service permit can sell to-go drinks, which must be sealed. Customers must also order food, as well, and orders can be placed on site, for delivery from the bar or restaurant, or through a delivery service or app.

Copyright 2021 KUT 90.5. To see more, visit KUT 90.5.

Andrew Weber is a freelance reporter and associate editor for KUT News. A graduate of St. Edward's University with a degree in English, Andrew has previously interned with The Texas Tribune, The Austin American-Statesman and KOOP Radio.