Legislative session 87R ended recently, and with so many bills being signed into law or vetoed, one very important bill was passed without the attention it very much deserves.

Texas Expands Sunday Alcohol Sale Hours

House Bill 1518 allows beer and wine to be sold starting at 10 AM instead of 12 Noon, as it's previously been for decades. The law goes into effect September 1, 2021. The bill was initially filed in February 2021, and was signed by Governor Abbott on June 18.

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Who Set the Old Hours and Why?

You may be thinking, "Why did a law prohibit early alcohol sales on Sunday anyway?" Well, if you're ready for a history lesson, I can clear that up for you.

According to the Dallas News, the Texas Blue Law was enacted in 1961 and prohibited the sale of 42 items on consecutive weekend days. The law banned the sales of alcohol, cars, pots, pans, and a bunch of other ridiculous things.

Why? Well that's because the state wanted to conserve "family values." Those family values however, were determined by religious beliefs that Sunday is a holy day, a day meant for family and not shopping. In 1985 however, the list was repealed by the U.S. Supreme Court due to violation of the separation of church and state.

Texas Does Its Own Thing

But do you think that really stopped Texas?

Well, its now 2021, and we're just barely being allowed to purchase alcohol at 10 AM on Sundays, so obviously not.

To this day, automotive sales can only occur on 1 day of the weekend, either Saturday or Sunday.  Unfortunately, we also still cannot purchase liquor on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, or Christmas Day, but hey maybe someday?

To say that change happens slowly in Texas is definitely an understatement.

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LOOK: Here is the richest town in each state

Just saying the names of these towns immediately conjures up images of grand mansions, luxury cars, and ritzy restaurants. Read on to see which town in your home state took the title of the richest location and which place had the highest median income in the country. Who knows—your hometown might even be on this list.

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