Quick Answer
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 must close by 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.
When are Alcohol Sales Allowed in Dallas, Texas?
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, liquor, bars, restaurants, grocery stores, and holiday exceptions that frequently catch people off guard.
Legal Authority (Why These Rules Apply)
Alcohol sales in Dallas County are governed by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, not local preference.
Key points:
- 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
- Counties and cities cannot override Sunday liquor bans
This is why the rules are consistent across Dallas County.
Key Takeaways
- Beer and wine are sold earlier and later than liquor
- Liquor stores are always closed on Sundays
- Liquor stores are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day
- Bars and restaurants follow different rules than retail stores
- Sunday morning alcohol service requires food in bars and restaurants
Alcohol Sale Hours in Dallas County (At a Glance)
| Alcohol Type | Retail Store Hours | Bar / Restaurant Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Beer & Wine | Mon–Fri: 7 a.m.–midnight Sat: 7 a.m.–1 a.m. Sun: 10 a.m.–midnight |
Mon–Sat: 7 a.m.–2 a.m. Sun: 10 a.m.–2 a.m.* |
| Liquor | Mon–Sat: 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Sun: ❌ No sales |
Mon–Sat: 7 a.m.–2 a.m. Sun: 10 a.m.–2 a.m.* |
*Alcohol service between 10 a.m. and noon on Sundays requires food service.
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.–midnight
- Saturday: 7 a.m.–1 a.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m.–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.–midnight
- Saturday: 7 a.m.–1 a.m.
- Sunday:
-
10 a.m.–noon: alcohol only with food
-
Noon–midnight: alcohol without food
-
Late-Hours Permit (Important)
- 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
Hotel bars may serve alcohol 24 hours a day only to registered guests, and only if the hotel operates a qualifying dining facility.
Otherwise, standard bar and restaurant hours apply.
Wineries
Texas wineries may sell wine directly to customers:
- Monday–Saturday: 8 a.m.–midnight
- Sunday: 10 a.m.–midnight
Sports Venues, Festivals & Concerts
Most venues in Dallas County follow standard beer and wine rules:
- Monday–Friday: 7 a.m.–midnight
- Saturday: 7 a.m.–1 a.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m.–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 | ❌ Closed |
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.–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 |
Can You Buy Alcohol Right Now? (Decision Shortcut)
- Buying liquor → check day + holiday (often ❌)
- Buying beer or wine → check store type + time
- It’s Sunday morning → food matters
- It’s after midnight → only bars with late-hours permits
Common Alcohol Sale Myths in Dallas County
- “Liquor stores open on Sundays near holidays” → False
- “Grocery stores sell liquor” → False
- “All bars can serve until 2 a.m.” → False
- “Food isn’t required Sunday mornings” → False
What Happens If Alcohol Is Sold Outside Legal Hours?
- Sellers face fines, suspension, or permit loss
- Bars risk permanent permit revocation
- Alcohol may be confiscated
- Buyers may receive citations in some cases
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?
Because 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.
