Are you heading out to purchase adult beverages and wondering where to go? Stores across the states have specific regulations regarding alcohol sales. Before you head to your local HEB, it’s essential to check what types of alcoholic beverages this retailer carries.
HEB does not sell hard liquor because they do not have a full liquor license. However, Texas state law and HEB’s permit allow the store to sell drinks with a lower alcohol percentage, including wine and beer.
If you’re looking to stock up on these beverages, HEB is a great place. However, it’s important to know what days and times alcohol sales are allowed. Read on to find out what types of alcohol you can purchase at HEB and what hours they are available.
Does HEB Sell Alcohol or Spirits?
With over 300 locations in Texas and several more in Mexico, HEB is a successful and well-known grocery store chain. They sell prepackaged goods, produce, and everyday essentials. However, many people wonder what types of alcohol HEB has in-store.
HEB sells alcohol such as wine, beer, and coolers with an alcohol percentage lower than 17%. However, the HEB chain does not sell spirits because it does not have a permit to sell hard liquor.
While this information is true for almost all HEB stores, it is important to note that Texas has five dry counties. It is illegal to sell alcohol of any kind within these areas. This is a county law rather than a HEB regulation. These counties include:
- Borden
- Hemphill
- Kent
- Roberts
- Throckmorton
HEB Sells Wine and Beer
If you’re looking for drinks with lower alcohol content, you are in luck. HEB sells beverages containing alcohol under 17%, including:
- Wine
- Beer
- Cider
- Coolers
HEB has a vast selection of beverages mentioned above. The supermarket chain carries many different brands, from local craft beers to international wines
HEB Does Not Sell Liquor
Although beer and wine are sold at HEB stores, hard liquor is not available for purchase.
Liquor is generally classified as containing over 20% alcohol. HEB does not have the permit to sell such strong beverages. Therefore, people cannot buy classic spirits such as whiskey, vodka, or rum at HEB stores across Texas.
Supermarkets and convenience stores usually do not carry liquor. Spirits can be purchased at designated liquor stores in Texas.
Why HEB Does Not Sell Liquor
Texas has stricter laws regarding the sales and distribution of alcohol than some other states. For businesses to sell alcohol, they must obtain a permit.
Several types of permits allow businesses to sell different classifications of alcohol, such as spirits, wine, or beer. These licenses may give establishments the rite to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on-site, off-site, or both.
Each permit comes with privileges but also regulations. Generally speaking, the higher the percentage of alcohol stores carry, the more restrictions are placed on that store. For example, stores selling spirits are not allowed to stay open as late as stores selling only beer and wine products.
HEB’s liquor permit allows for the purchase of wine and malt beverages to be consumed off-site.
If they were to carry stronger spirits, they would be required to abide by the laws for liquor-selling businesses. This would restrict their business hours. Ultimately, HEB is a grocery store selling many goods. It would not be cost-effective to limit hours of operation.
When Can You Buy Alcohol at HEB?
One may assume they can buy alcohol anytime HEB is open. However, this is not the case in the Texas-owned chain. Specific liquor laws forbid patrons from purchasing drinks outside designated hours.
You can buy alcohol at HEB on weekdays from 7 am to midnight, Saturdays from 7 am to 1 am, and Sundays between 10 am and midnight. While it is legal to purchase wine and beer during these hours, HEB’s opening and closing hours vary depending on the location.
So if you are planning your next party or simply stocking up for the weekend, make sure you go to the store during these times. It is also essential to check the hours of operation of the particular HEB branch near you.
Does HEB Sell Alcohol on Sundays?
Alcohol sales and distribution laws are often different on Sundays. States aren’t allowed to pass drinking laws based on religious factors.
However, binge drinking and alcohol-related accidents happen more frequently on weekends. Therefore health and safety regulations may warrant more restrictions during these times.
Since Texas laws have changed over the past years, you might be wondering if it is possible to purchase wine or beer from HEB branches within the state.
HEB does sell alcohol on Sundays between the hours of 10 am till midnight or closing, whichever comes first. If your local HEB branch is open between these hours, you can purchase wine or beer products. HEB does not carry hard liquor.
As of September 2021, Texas laws expanded the legal hours that establishments could sell alcohol. The previous law required Texans to wait till noon to purchase drinks. However, lawmakers now allow alcohol to be sold from 10 am.
It is still forbidden to sell hard liquor on Sundays in Texas.
HEB Sells Beer and Wine on Sundays
If it is a Sunday and you hope to buy some beers, you are in luck.
HEB’s alcohol permit allows them to sell both beer and wine. According to Texas state laws, these products may be sold between 10 am and midnight on Sundays.
What Time Does HEB Stop Selling Alcohol
The sale of alcohol at HEB grocery stores is subject to state and local laws, which may vary by location.
In Texas, where the majority of HEB stores are located, the sale of beer and wine is permitted from 7:00 AM to midnight, Monday through Friday, and from 7:00 AM to 1:00 AM on Saturdays. On Sundays, the sale of beer and wine is permitted from noon to midnight.
However, some cities and counties in Texas may have different laws regarding the sale of alcohol, so it’s always a good idea to check with your local HEB store for their specific hours and policies.
Final Thoughts
HEB is a big name in Texas and sells many goods. However, they do not sell all types of alcohol.
The chain has a permit to sell wine or beer products, but not stronger spirits such as whiskey, rum, or vodka. This is due to limitations regarding the sales of liquor within the state.
The hours HEB is allowed to sell wine or beer depending on the day. HEB stores can sell their alcohol between 7 and midnight on weekdays, 7 and 1 am on Saturdays, and between 10 and midnight on Sundays.
Related Posts:
