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.
