Beer and Wine Sales

Beer and Wine Sales

On November 4, 2008, City of Waxahachie Citizens voted to approve the legal sale of beer and wine for off-premises consumption and the legal sale of mixed beverages within restaurants. The sale of beer and wine only applies to the current (at the time of the 2008 election) corporate boundaries of the City of Waxahachie. On Monday January 5, 2009, the Waxahachie City Council adopted amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, requiring certain uses to obtain a Specific Use Permit (SUP).

FAQ:

1. Who regulates the sale of alcohol?

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC)

2. How far away does an establishment that sells alcohol need to be from a church or school?

A minimum 300 foot distance is required from a public/private school, church or public hospital.  A variance procedure is available through the City Council.

3. Are child care facilities included distance requirement by TABC?
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code
Sec. 109.331. SALES NEAR DAY-CARE CENTER OR CHILD-CARE FACILITY. (a) This section applies only to a permit or license holder under Chapter 25, 28, 32, 69, or 74 who does not hold a food and beverage certificate.
(b) Except as provided by this subsection, the provisions of Section 109.33 relating to a public school also apply to a day-care center and a child-care facility as those terms are defined by Section 42.002, Human Resources Code. Sections 109.33(a)(2) and (c) do not apply to a day-care center or child-care facility.
(c) This section does not apply to a permit or license holder who sells alcoholic beverages if:
(1) the permit or license holder and the day-care center or child-care facility are located on different stories of a multistory building; or
(2) the permit or license holder and the day-care center or child-care facility are located in separate buildings and either the permit or license holder or the day-care center or child-care facility is located on the second story or higher of a multistory building.
(d) This section does not apply to a family home, specialized child-care home, or agency foster home as those terms are defined by Section 42.002, Human Resources Code.

4. How is the distance measured?

a. Distance from schools are measured in a straight line from property line to property line.

b. The law requires that the distances from a church or hospital be measured from front door of the proposed establishment to the street front. If on the same side of the street, measurement continues along the along street frontage to a point perpendicular to the front door of the church or hospital, and then from the street frontage to the front door of the church or hospital (see graph below).

BWGraph

6. What are the legal hours of sale/service of alcoholic beverages?

On-premise license or permit (e.g., bar or restaurant):
  • Monday – Friday: 7 a.m. – midnight
  • Saturday: 7 a.m. – 1 a.m. (Sunday morning)
  • Sunday: Noon – midnight (10 a.m. – noon only with the service of food)
Off-premise beer/wine license or permit (e.g., convenience store or grocery store):
  • Monday – Friday: 7 a.m. – midnight
  • Saturday: 7 a.m. – 1 a.m. (Sunday morning)
  • Sunday: 10 a.m. – midnight
State law allows the City to adopt an ordinance which can extend the hours as late as 2am across the board.

7. Can the City regulate the sale of alcohol or where it is sold?

No, but the City can regulate the land use and establishments that might sell alcohol. (i.e. convenience stores, restaurants, etc.)

8. In what ways can the City regulate such establishments?

New/proposed uses that might serve alcohol will only be allowed once a Specific Use Permit (SUP) is approved. With an SUP the City can request upgraded architectural design and site improvements along with additional controls, such as signage.

9. Will existing establishments be required to obtain a SUP if they choose to sell alcohol?

Existing establishments are grandfathered from a SUP requirement, however any additional improvements to the building, site or change in use, may trigger the requirement for a SUP.

10. What is the permitting process?

a. Complete application and submit to the Texas Comptroller’s Office.
b. City review
c. TABC review
d. County Judge vote
e. Austin, Texas for final processing

11. How can I track a permit that has been submitted?

You can track permits on the TABC website:www.tabc.state.tx.us

 

13. If property is annexed into the City, can alcohol be sold in these locations?

The sale of beer and wine only applies to the current (at the time of the 2008 election) corporate boundaries of the City of  Waxahachie. Any areas that are annexed after the election date will be considered dry. Residents of those areas must vote themselves “wet” in order to sell alcohol.

HELPFUL INFORMATION:
Ordinance 2500 (Beer and Wine Sales) (PDF)