Questions arise surrounding new public alcohol consumption rules for Downtown Bryan

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – New laws about alcohol consumption in Downtown Bryan have left people with plenty of questions.

The change was effective immediately following council approval Tuesday night, but it’s taken days for some residents and business owners to understand what this means.

Residents visiting Downtown Bryan can walk around with a to-go drink from businesses with proper TABC permits, which only allow beer, wine and malt beverage sales to-go. This is where the City of Bryan says businesses need to be paying attention to TABC rules and finding the right permit for them.

“[The change] gives the opportunity to businesses that are located in the Downtown area, just like businesses elsewhere in the city, to be able to apply for the appropriate TABC licensing for on-premise and off-premise for consumption and only beer and wine. This isn’t a liquor license, this isn’t spirits and other harder liquor if you will this is really dealing with just beer and wine on and off-premises,” Joey Dunn, Deputy City Manager, said.

These rules for businesses exclude selling mixed drinks, but for residents and visitors that is different. State public consumption of alcohol rules remain, so drinking in public rights of way is banned from 2 a.m. to 7 a.m. on weekdays and 2 a.m. to noon on Sundays and must be a certain distance from school or church. They can now bring and consume their own hard liquor in most public areas, including Downtown.

Public intoxication, DWI and open containers in vehicles will remain enforced. Bryan Police say this is a change they expect will take some time for people to learn.

“If you see one of us now tell chitchat with us, if we don’t have the answer right away, we can get you an answer on that and what the restaurants educating themselves. And again, this is new for everybody. Our approach is going to be education at first,” Officer Seth Waller, PIO, said.

Dunn says the proper permitting for businesses to participate in this change is not widely popular.

“They’ll have to take that additional step to be able to do it. It’s not just something they can do immediately without the appropriate licensing from TABC,” he said.

There is at least one. Blackwater Draw Brewing Co. operates with a Wine and Malt Beverage Retailer’s Permit. The owner, Chris Weingart, says this is a request he gets often as it has been possible during special events. Now, he looks forward to just being able to say yes.

“It’s going to be a lot easier for us. I don’t feel so bad telling people sometimes it’s okay, sometimes it’s not. This is just very easy, ‘Yes have a beer. Here’s your plastic cup, don’t litter, have fun,’” he said.

Those participating in public consumption of alcohol are allowed to use glass bottles, do not have to purchase drinks at local businesses and can consume hard liquor or mixed beverages.

Active TABC permits can be found here.