Austin Sunday liquor sale times to match the state

Published 7:31 am Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Starting July 1, liquor stores can be open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Austin and across the state.

The Austin City Council voted 5-1 on Monday with David Hagen voting no and Judy Enright abstaining to change its ordinance on liquor sale hours to match the state’s Sunday sales bill, which passed earlier this year.

The city’s motion failed on first reading in April because a unanimous vote is required at a council meeting on first reading.

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The city ordinance had banned liquor sales on Sundays; however, the state bill allowing Sunday liquor sales passed last month.

Cities are not allowed to restrict Sunday sales under the new law, but the city could have reduced the hours for Sunday sales. However, City Clerk Ann Kasel noted the city has recently taken steps to keep city ordinances consistent with state laws.

Last year, the City Council voted to change the city ordinance to allow liquor stores to stay open until 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday to match the state.

Previously, liquor stores had been required to close at 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday.