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1. Who regulates the sale of alcohol?

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC)

2. How far away does an establishment that sells alcohol need to be from a church or school?

A minimum 300-foot distance is required from a public/private school, church or public hospital.  A variance procedure is available through the City Council.

3. Are child care facilities included distance requirement by TABC?

No, and cities cannot adopt such an ordinance. The spacing requirement only applies to public/private schools, churches and hospitals.

4. How is the distance measured?

a. Distance from a school is measured in a straight line from property line to property line.

b. The law requires that the distances from a church or hospital be measured from front door of the proposed establishment to the street front. If on the same side of the street, measurement continues along the along street frontage to a point perpendicular to the front door of the church or hospital, and then from the street frontage to the front door of the church or hospital 

5. Can the City regulate the sale of alcohol or where it is sold?

No, but the City can regulate the land use and establishments that might sell alcohol. (i.e. convenience stores, restaurants, etc.)

6. What is the permitting process?

 a. Complete application and submit to the Texas Comptroller’s Office.
 b. City review
 c. TABC review
 d. County Judge vote
 e. Austin, Texas for final processing

7. How can I track a permit that has been submitted?

You can track permits on the TABC website: www.tabc.state.tx.us

8. If property is annexed into the City, can alcohol be sold in these locations?

The sale of beer and wine only applies to the current (at the time of the 2008 election) corporate boundaries of the City of Wilmer. Any areas that are annexed after the election date will be considered dry. Residents of those areas must vote themselves “wet” in order to sell alcohol.

9. Who do I contact for more information

Contact City Secretary at 972-441-6373 or via email at mortiz@cityofwilmer.net.