Can a bartender drink behind the bar in Texas?

Asked by: Dr. Cole Will IV  |  Last update: May 1, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (69 votes)

In Texas, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code prohibits the consumption of alcoholic beverages by employees during work hours in establishments licensed to sell alcohol.

Can you drink behind the bar in Texas?

Under Texas law, restaurant and bar employees are not allowed to become intoxicated on the job. If you've ever spent much time in Texas bars, you've probably seen bartenders take a shot or sip on a beer while they're working.

Is it illegal for a bartender to drink on the job in Texas?

An employee cannot be intoxicated at anytime where they work according to TABC. You can drink there, but don't get drunk. Also, don't get drunk somewhere else and visit said employment even if you're looking for a ride or saying hey to friends. If you're having a night out, start there and end somewhere else.

Can a bartender drink behind the bar?

The alcoholic beverage laws do not prohibit licensees or their agents or employees from drinking. However it is illegal for a drunken person to remain on licensed premises. So if a bartender became drunk the bartender could face criminal charges and the liquor license could be in jeopardy.

Can you drink in the backseat in Texas?

Can a Passenger Drink Alcohol in a Vehicle? Texas prohibits open containers in any seating area of a vehicle, including the driver's side, passenger side or backseat.

How to Become a Bartender in Texas! 🍹 (full)

21 related questions found

Can backseat passengers drink alcohol?

According to California Vehicle Code 23220 and 23221, it indicates that a driver and a passenger cannot consume alcohol or smoke/ingest marijuana or any marijuana product while in a vehicle.

Can I drink in my front yard in Texas?

It is legal to drink in public in Texas. There is no statewide law prohibiting public consumption of alcoholic beverages. However, many local jurisdictions have laws prohibiting or curtailing public consumption of alcohol.

What are three rules of being a bartender?

If you want to make it, following these golden rules will be your ticket to being a great bartender.
  • Rule #1: Be Sociable. ...
  • Rule #2: Know Your Drinks. ...
  • Rule #3: Don't Mess Up. ...
  • Rule #4: Have Some Tricks Up Your Sleeve. ...
  • Rule #5: Listen and Respond. ...
  • Rule #6: Go Above And Beyond. ...
  • Conclusion.

Can I buy my bartender a shot?

My advice is that if a guest offers to buy a staff member a drink, you do this via a gift card credit. That allows the guest to show their generosity, the operation to capture the revenue, and the staff member to be properly rewarded with money to spend on food and beverage—just not while on the clock.

Can a bartender stop serving you?

There are several legitimate reasons for bartenders to refuse service. For example, underage individuals, those who have over-consumed or are showing symptoms of intoxication, excessively rowdy or unruly customers, a person harassing staff or other customers, or if the establishment is at capacity.

Can you drink alcohol on your lunch break in Texas?

Since they are optional, an employer can allow meal breaks, or not. If meal breaks are allowed, the employer can impose conditions on them, such as when they occur, how long they are, where they may or may not be taken, and whether any particular consumables are disallowed (such as alcoholic beverages).

Can bartenders take shots with customers?

California. The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control prohibits bartenders from drinking at any point during their shift—before, during, or after providing alcohol service. The rules are intended to ensure bartenders can accurately monitor patrons' intoxication levels and cut them off if needed.

What are the blue laws in Texas?

In Texas, blue laws prohibit the sale of liquor on Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day, with additional restrictions on beer and wine sales.

What is the new law for alcohol in Texas?

Alcohol-To-Go Is Now Permanent Law of the Land in Texas. AUSTIN — Texas law now lets customers and businesses safely enjoy alcohol-to-go options. Temporary waivers to provide relief to businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic have been updated and made permanent, thanks to recent action by Texas Gov.

Are bartenders liable for drunk drivers in Texas?

In Texas, bartenders can potentially be held liable for serving alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals who go on to cause harm, especially in cases of fatal drunk driving accidents.

Can you drink at a bar in Texas with your parents?

Yes, a minor in Texas can sit at a bar and even consume alcohol if permitted by the bar and accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or adult spouse.

Can bartenders drink while working?

The general rule in California, under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, is that a bartender or server can't drink on the job.

What does it mean when a bartender buys you a drink?

As if you need a good reason to be not a jerk, here's a good one: your bartender just might shower some appreciation on you in the form of a complimentary drink, or a buy back. Don't ever ask for one, though, because if you do, you're being a jerk.

Can a bartender buy a house?

In fact, numerous servers, bartenders, blackjack dealers, and Uber drivers achieve homeownership every day. However, purchasing a home with tipped income involves specific considerations. The good news is that qualifying for a mortgage with substantial tipped earnings is attainable.

What is the 50 rule in bartending?

What's the 50% rule in bartending? The proper time to serve customers the next cocktail is once they've consumed 50% of their drink.

What is rule number 1 of bartender?

Bartending Rule 1: Always Keep Your Bartop Happy

Make sure people at least get what they came for in a timely manner and that you're serving alcohol in a clean glass. Then, you can start to tailor your service for their visit. People go to the bar for all sorts of things, even to grieve.

What are the 5 P's of bartending?

"We focus on the fundamentals of training. Everything from why you shake, when you muddle, to the practicalities of the job, and what we call the five 'P's of world class service: pride, passion, preparation, professionalism and presentation.

Can you drink in the passenger seat in Texas?

Any open container with alcohol in it, anywhere in the passenger area of the vehicle, is illegal. Even if a passenger is consuming it. If you are pulled over and the passenger has an open container, you both can be issued an open container citation. There are some exceptions to this rule.

Is it illegal to carry a flask with alcohol?

The possession of cans, bottles or flasks or other vessels containing an alcoholic beverage could potentially result in a violation of open container laws. To be “open”, in most cases, means that some of the contents have been removed, the seal is broken, the cap is off or the alcohol is otherwise readily accessible.

What is the zero tolerance law in Texas?

The Texas ZERO TOLERANCE law makes it illegal for any minor to operate a motor vehicle, including a watercraft, in a public place while having ANY detectable amount of alcohol in their system. It is a criminal offense of Driving under the Influence of Alcohol by a Minor (DUIA by a Minor).