Representatives are getting behind proposed laws that would legalize liquor sales on… Representatives are getting behind proposed laws that would legalize liquor sales on Sundays. Golden_Brown/Getty Images/iStockphoto
If you’re a Texan familiar with the struggle of finding hard liquor for sale on Sundays, your trials and tribulations may be coming to an end soon. Texas state and local legislators recently introduced new bills aimed at legalizing sales of ready-to-drink cocktails on Sundays.
On Sundays, current Texas law keeps liquor stores closed and only allows gas stations and convenience stores to sell beer and wine. Texas State Senator Kelly Hancock, who represents District Nine in Tarrant County near Dallas, introduced a bill on Tuesday that would allow grocery and corner stores to sell ready-to-drink cocktails seven days a week.
“As industries innovate and new products become staples in the marketplace, it only makes sense for us to take a look at ways government can reduce regulatory red tape,” Hancock told Houston’s KHOU 11. “I look forward to continuing to work on legislation that keeps free market principles at the core of Texas’ economic success,” he continued.
Houston-area lawmaker Justin Holland introduced the twin version of the bill in the Texas House of Representatives earlier in February.
The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, which advocates and lobbies on behalf of the distilled liquors industry, said a recent survey they conducted shows that 86 percent of customers support expanding Sunday alcohol sales to include ready-to-drink cocktails, according to KHOU 11.
President of the Texas Food and Fuel Association Paul Hardin also voiced support for the proposed measures.