Garland Council discusses new petition for alcoholic beverage zone changes

The Garland City Council convened on July 7, 2025, to discuss potential changes to local alcohol sales regulations, focusing on the possibility of establishing an alcoholic beverage zone and the legislative methods to achieve this goal. The meeting highlighted the complexities surrounding alcohol sales in the city, particularly the current requirement that establishments selling mixed beverages must derive at least 51% of their revenue from food.

The council explored various options, including hiring a consultant to lead a petition effort or pursuing legislative changes to the election code. Council members acknowledged the challenges faced in previous attempts to reform alcohol sales, noting significant resistance and the difficulty in finding legislative sponsors for such changes. The next legislative session is set to begin on January 12, 2027, with a special session starting on July 21, 2025.

Council Member Dutton raised questions about the legalities of mixed drink sales, clarifying that while restaurants can sell mixed beverages, standalone bars are not currently permitted under the existing regulations. This led to discussions about the potential for a local option election that would allow voters to decide on relaxing these restrictions.

Council Member Bass provided historical context, noting that efforts to create designated alcohol zones had been ongoing for over four years. He expressed concerns that the current legislative approach diverged from the original intent, which aimed to control where liquor sales could occur in Garland. He emphasized the importance of maintaining local control over alcohol sales to prevent convenience stores from selling liquor without oversight.

Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Luck questioned how pursuing a local option election might affect ongoing efforts to establish liquor store zones through legislative action. The council acknowledged the strong opposition from stakeholders against alcohol sales, complicating the path forward.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for further discussions and strategic planning to navigate the complexities of alcohol regulation in Garland. The council plans to engage stakeholders and consider the best approach to balance community interests with potential revenue opportunities from alcohol sales.