TABC Legislative Updates

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code can be amended by the Texas Legislature during regular or special called sessions. The Legislature meets for regular sessions beginning in January every odd-numbered year. Changes to the Code start on the effective date listed in a bill once the bill is passed by both chambers of the Legislature and signed into law by the governor.

Read more about changes to the Alcoholic Beverage Code resulting from the 88th Texas Legislature:

• Contract distilling (Senate Bill 60): Authorizes holders of a Distiller’s and Rectifier’s Permit (D) and qualifying holders of a Nonresident Seller’s Permit (S) may contract to engage in authorized activities on the premises of a Texas distillery. (Amends Chapter 14 of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code.)
• Distiller samples at temporary events (Senate Bill 1375): Distilleries may conduct free samples or tastings (no sales) of their products for the public at certain events away from the distiller’s permitted premises. (Amends Section 14.01(a) of the Code.)
• Selling distilled spirits to consumers (Senate Bill 2284): Authorizes eligible distillers to sell up to four 750-milliliter bottles of distilled spirits direct to consumers for off-premise consumption. (Amends Sections 14.05(c) and 14.05(f) of the Code.)
• Distributor samples for retailers (House Bill 3712): Authorizes distributor’s license holders to provide malt beverage samples to retailers. (Amends Section 102.02 of the Code)
• Opioid overdose training (Senate Bill 998): Requires Mixed Beverage and Private Club permit holders and certain employees to complete annual opioid overdose training. (Amends Chapter 5, Subchapter B of the Code.)
• Private vintage distilled spirit collections (Senate Bill 1322): Defines “vintage distilled spirits” and authorizes sales of vintage spirits to certain TABC license and permit holders. (Amends Section 1.04 of the Code.)
• Private wine collections (Senate Bill 1932): Authorizes eligible permittees who also hold a Food and Beverage Certificate to purchase wine that is at least 20 years old and in its original container from a private wine collection seller. (Amends Title 4 of the Code and adds Chapter 111, Secondary Wine Sales)