Bryan City Council Repeals Off-Premise Consumption Of Alcoholic Beverages In The Downtown Area

On April 12, 2024, the Bryan City Council announced the repeal of an ordinance that prevented off-premise consumption of alcoholic beverages within the downtown area. Post-repeal, downtown establishments are free to sell alcoholic beverages for both on-premise and off-premise consumption, following the operational hours applicable across the city.

Details of the Repeal

Joey Dunn, the Deputy city manager, clarified that the repeal applies to the entire 72 block downtown area bordered by Texas Avenue, Martin Luther King Jr. Street, Sims Avenue, and 31st Street. The previous ordinance governing downtown Bryan was notably stricter than the state law, requiring establishments to refrain from selling alcohol for off-premise consumption. The repeal aligns Bryan with cities like Fredericksburg, Georgetown, McKinney, and others across Texas who introduced similar changes recently.

Implications for Local Businesses

Local businesses possessing the necessary licenses from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission will now be permitted to sell alcoholic beverages for off-premise consumption. Operational hours match those
across the city; Monday to Saturday from seven a.m. to 2:15 a.m., and on Sundays between noon and 2:15 a.m. The repeal potentially paves the way for increased revenue for businesses within the area as it
expands the range of services establishments are able to offer.

Public Response

The repeal lasts effective immediately. The city council and involved establishments await public response to this adoption of statewide norms for alcohol sale and consumption.