In Dallas County, beer and wine can generally be purchased from 7 a.m. to midnight on weekdays, until 1 a.m. late Saturday, and starting at 10 a.m. on Sundays. Liquor stores may sell alcohol between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m., are never open on Sundays, and must also close on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Bars and restaurants with late-hours permits may serve alcohol until 2 a.m. most nights.
At a Glance: Can You Buy Alcohol in Dallas Right Now?
| Alcohol Type | Retail Store Hours | Bar / Restaurant Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Beer & Wine | Mon–Fri: 7 a.m. to midnight Sat: 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sun: 10 a.m. to midnight |
Standard hours: Mon–Fri: 7 a.m. to midnight With a late-hours permit: |
| Liquor | Mon–Sat: 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Sun: No sales |
Same as beer and wine hours. |
*Alcohol service between 10 a.m. and noon on Sundays requires food service.
Why These Rules Apply
Alcohol sales in Dallas County are primarily governed by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, with some local control over permitting and availability.
Key Takeaways
- Sale hours are set statewide
- Dallas County and the City of Dallas follow the same base rules
- Permit type determines where and how late alcohol can be sold
- Local option elections can affect whether liquor sales are allowed
When are Alcohol Sales Allowed in Dallas?
Buying alcohol in Dallas County requires careful attention to what you’re buying, where you’re buying it, and what day and time it is. Texas alcohol laws are strict, statewide, and often misunderstood, especially on Sundays and holidays.
This guide explains exactly when alcohol sales are allowed in Dallas County in 2026, including beer, wine, and liquor sales, bars, restaurants, grocery stores, and holiday exceptions that frequently catch people off guard.
Breakdown: When Can You Buy Beer and Wine in Dallas County
Local ordinances can still change availability.
Beer & Wine (Grocery / Gas / Convenience Stores)
- Monday: 7 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
- Tuesday: 7 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
- Wednesday: 7 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
- Thursday: 7 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
- Friday: 7 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
- Saturday: 7 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. (early Sunday)
- Sunday: 10 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Liquor Stores (Package Stores)
- Monday: 10 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Thursday: 10 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Friday: 10 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Sunday: Closed (no liquor sales)
Bars & Restaurants (On-Premise)*
- Monday–Friday: up to midnight (2 a.m. with late-hours permit)
- Saturday: up to 1 a.m. (2 a.m. with late-hours permit)
- Sunday: 10 a.m. to midnight (2 a.m. with late-hours permit)
*Late-hours service depends on permits and local rules.
Grocery Stores & Convenience Stores
(Beer and Wine Only)
Grocery stores, gas stations, and convenience stores in Dallas County may sell beer and wine only for off-premise consumption.
Beer & wine retail hours:
- Monday–Friday: 7 a.m. to midnight
- Saturday: 7 a.m. to 1 a.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m. to midnight
Liquor is never sold in grocery or convenience stores.
Bars & Restaurants in Dallas County
Bars and restaurants may sell beer, wine, and liquor for on-site consumption.
Standard service hours:
- Monday–Friday: 7 a.m. to midnight
- Saturday: 7 a.m. to 1 a.m.
- Sunday:
-
10 a.m. to noon: alcohol only with food
-
Noon to midnight: alcohol without food
-
Late-Hours Permit
- Allows service until 2 a.m.
- Applies only to bars and restaurants
- Does not apply to retail stores
- Must be approved by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
Hotel Bars
Some hotels with the proper permits may serve alcohol to registered guests outside standard hours. Otherwise, standard bar and restaurant hours apply.
Wineries
Texas wineries may sell wine directly to customers:
- Monday–Saturday: 8 a.m. to midnight
- Sunday: 10 a.m. to midnight
Sports Venues, Festivals & Concerts
Most venues in Dallas County, and in surrounding areas such as Arlington, where AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Park are located, follow standard beer and wine rules:
- Monday–Friday: 7 a.m. to midnight
- Saturday: 7 a.m. to 1 a.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m. to midnight
Liquor service depends on the venue’s permit type.
Holiday Alcohol Sales in Dallas County
Holidays When Liquor Stores Must Be Closed
Liquor stores cannot sell liquor at all on:
| Holiday | Liquor Stores | Beer & Wine (Stores) | Bars & Restaurants |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Closed | Open | Open |
| Thanksgiving Day | Closed | Open | Open |
| Christmas Day | Closed | Closed | May be restricted or closed depending on permit and local enforcement |
Important: If New Year’s Day or Christmas Day falls on a Sunday, liquor stores must also remain closed the following Monday.
Holidays When Liquor Sales Are Allowed
Liquor stores may operate normal hours (10 a.m. to 9 p.m.) on:
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Presidents’ Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day (July 4)
- Labor Day
- Veterans Day
Beer, wine, and bar service follow standard rules on these days.
Sunday Rules (Every Week, Including Holidays)
| Alcohol Type | Sunday Rule |
|---|---|
| Liquor (retail stores) | Never allowed |
| Beer & Wine (stores) | Starting at 10 a.m. |
| Bars & Restaurants | 10 a.m.–noon with food Noon onward without food |
FAQs: Alcohol Sales in Dallas County
What is a blue law in Texas?
A blue law restricts certain Sunday activities, including retail liquor sales.
What is the legal drinking age in Texas?
21. Minors may consume alcohol only with a parent, legal guardian, or spouse who is 21 or older.
Why can’t you buy liquor on Sundays in Dallas County?
Texas law prohibits retail liquor sales on Sundays statewide.
Can bars serve alcohol on Sunday mornings?
Yes, starting at 10 a.m., but food service is required until noon.
Bottom Line
In Dallas County, beer and wine are widely available most days, but liquor sales are tightly restricted—never allowed on Sundays and banned on major holidays. Bars and restaurants follow different rules based on permit type, making timing essential.
Sources: Michael & Associates research and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC).
Note: This article was written by Ben Michael, Managing Partner of Michael & Associates (Texas Bar Card #24088055). It was originally published on January 16, 2026.
