The General Land Office is allowing beer, wine and liquor to be served outside of the Alamo – and for some, that decision isn’t going down easy.
A decision from the GLO allows for alcohol to be served during private events at Alamo Hall, on the grounds of the famous San Antonio mission that serves as a symbol of Texas independence.
The Daughters of the Republic of Texas serves as the Alamo’s longtime caretaker. It’s disputing the GLO’s decision.
In a press release, DRT President General Karen R. Thompson writes:
For over 107 years, the DRT has proudly upheld strong standards at the shrine and have never allowed alcohol out of respect for the souls that sacrificed their lives for Texas freedom. In the past, two 2-star Generals have respectfully led toasts with apple cider at Alamo Hall in adherence to the solemn decorum of the shrine. On behalf of the DRT, we ask Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson to help our organization uphold Texas values by not allowing alcohol to be served at The Alamo complex.
Patterson takes issues with the DRT’s statement, telling the San Antonio-Express News:
“If veterans of past conflicts can cherish a bottle of wine until the last one living partakes of that bottle in honor of his deceased comrades, I fail to understand how alcohol in and of itself is irreverent or disrespectful.”
The change is set to take effect at the end of this month.
