Gov. Abbott waives regulations to allow restaurants to deliver alcohol

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday issued a waiver that will allow restaurants to deliver alcoholic beverages with food purchases to patrons, including beer, wine, and mixed drinks.

The governor's office said the waiver is in response to the financial hardship caused by COVID-19, which it says has "disproportionately affected the hospitality industry."

"The State of Texas is committed to supporting retailers, restaurants, and their employees," Abbott said.

"These waivers will allow restaurants to provide enhanced delivery options to consumers during this temporary period of social distancing."

Under this waiver, restaurants with a mixed beverage permit will immediately be able to sell beer, wine, or mixed drinks for delivery "as long as they are accompanied by food purchased from the restaurant."

The governor also directed the Texas Alcoholic Beverage to waive certain provisions to allow manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers of alcoholic beverages to repurchase or sell back unopened product.

The buy-back waiver allows alcohol distributors and manufacturers to repurchase excess inventory from restaurants, bars, and clubs affected by event cancellations due to COVID-19.