Drinking age in Texas (2026)
Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
In short: The rules for this state have not yet been checked against official sources.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Minimum age to buy beer and wineBuying and drinking alcohol | 21 years [1] |
| Minimum age to buy spiritsBuying and drinking alcohol | 21 years [1] |
| Drinking by younger people with an adultBuying and drinking alcohol | A minor may possess an alcoholic beverage in the visible presence of their adult parent, guardian or spouse (or another adult to whom a court committed them), and it is an affirmative defence to a consumption charge that the beverage was consumed in that person's visible presence. A minor may also possess it in the course of employment with a licensee. [1] |
| Drinking in public placesBuying and drinking alcohol | In a public place, it is an offence to consume (or possess with intent to consume) an alcoholic beverage on Sunday between 1:15 a.m. and noon, or on other days between 12:15 a.m. and 7 a.m. (2:15 a.m. in extended-hours areas). A licensed premises counts as a public place; hotel guests may drink in the hotel bar at any time. Local rules may differ. [1] |
| Where and when alcohol is soldBuying and drinking alcohol | Liquor (package stores) may not be sold on Sunday, on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day, or before 10 a.m. or after 9 p.m. on other days. Malt beverages and wine under retail permits may be sold between 7 a.m. and midnight Monday to Saturday and, on Sunday, between noon and midnight (with limited earlier and later windows); late hours up to 2 a.m. depend on local adoption. [1] |
Sources
- Texas Legislative Council: Alcoholic Beverage Code (full text PDF, rendered 25 July 2026) (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| Where and when alcohol is sold | Federal law does not itself ban the sale of alcohol to people under 21. Under 23 U.S.C. 158, a State loses 8 percent of certain federal highway funds if buying or publicly possessing alcohol is lawful there for a person under 21. (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (U.S. Code)) |
|---|
Texas and neighbouring states
| State | Minimum age to buy beer and wine | Minimum age to buy spirits | Drinking by younger people with an adult | Drinking in public places | Where and when alcohol is sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 21 (minors may not buy) | 21 (minors may not buy) | Only in visible presence of adult parent, guardian or spouse | Public drinking banned at night and Sunday mornings | Liquor stores closed Sundays; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. |
| Louisiana | 21 (no purchase or public possession under 21) | 21 (no purchase or public possession under 21) | Allowed with parent/spouse/guardian 21+; religious use | ⚠ Not yet verified | No sales under 21; age ignorance no defence |
| New Mexico | 21 | 21 | Parent/guardian/spouse on own property; religious use | Open containers banned in vehicles on highways | Licensed premises 7 a.m.-2 a.m.; packages 7 a.m.-midnight |
More rules in Texas
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence (misdemeanour)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 70 mph; 60 mph on unnumbered roads
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (Class C, after 6 months on permit) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (learner licence)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class 3: 15
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (no bottle rockets) · Minimum age to buy: 16
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: No carry ban for blades up to 5.5 in · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: No (texting only) · Hands-free use: Allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Zero (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.