Texas House Bill HB983

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the pickup and delivery of alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption.

Impact

If enacted, HB 983 would amend the Alcoholic Beverage Code to allow for a more robust delivery system for alcoholic beverages. This change is expected to create new opportunities for restaurants and bars to expand their services, particularly in response to the growing demand for delivery options among consumers. The stipulations regarding tamper-proof containers aim to enhance the safety of alcoholic beverage deliveries and ensure compliance with existing legal standards regarding alcohol sales.

Summary

House Bill 983 addresses the regulations related to the pickup and delivery of alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption in Texas. The bill allows holders of a mixed beverage permit to deliver alcoholic beverages directly to consumers as long as the delivery is made alongside food prepared at the permitted premises. This permits third-party delivery and establishes specific guidelines for the types of containers used for alcoholic beverages, emphasizing safety and compliance with age restrictions.

Contention

While the bill has the potential to benefit businesses by increasing sales through new delivery options, there are concerns regarding its implementation. Critics may argue that the regulations could encourage underage drinking or that the state government should not relax its controls on the sale of alcoholic beverages. The specific guidelines for delivery services, particularly the requirement of a mixed beverage permit and the association of alcohol pickup with food orders, aim to address these concerns while fostering a controlled environment for alcohol sales.