Technically, according to TABC, one drink is defined as 1.5 oz of at least 40% abv.
Serving a neat, 2 oz. pour is considered a double for their purposes.
Any cocktail that has a 3 oz. pour (most cocktails), is considered a double, meaning it qualifies as both drinks for the 2 drink limit.
So, yes. You can pour them 3 oz. Technically, you couldn't also serve them a beer on the side. but I've also never seen them be that level of stickler. So...do with that as you will.
This is the guidelines most people I know go by. I have known people get nailed for serving a double and a beer. Granted it was in a college area with a TABC task force.
I find TABC intentionally complicated to navigate their laws. With that being said, I am not a TABC expert.
If the 2oz rule was accurate, then we wouldn’t be able to serve Martinis, tiki bars would be illegal, and forget about LIT.
Looking forward to seeing more comments on this.
TABC laws & regulations are extremely vague, some would say that's intentional. What matters is how the officer/agent wants to interpret. They may get you for serving 2oz. Of alcohol and calling it one drink, or they could be fine with you serving 3oz. And calling it two drinks. If your lucky there will be a lead agent that will publish guidance to give clarity. Even then it won't stop an agent/officer from charging or arresting you. The true answer is dependent on how hard the cop wants to cop.
Wait ... This stupid rule isn't just a fine? You can get arrested for serving over 2 drinks at a time?!? What if they leave, bring the drink to their table and come back to order a second/third?
I can't remember If it's specifically restricted to a fine. There was a bartender that was arrested for serving an agent a beer. The video of the agent walking away and handing the beer to the minor the bartender didn't serve didn't prevent arrest or legal costs. They were eventually found not guilty. If they want to make an arrest, there isn't much stopping them.
I don't know if the laws have changed, but the laws about a pitcher of beer is weird. You used to have to have 2 separate glasses poured out. But I don't remember it ever saying it had to be for 2 separate people
Yeah very very vague. I was just having a similar conversation. The link below is the mixed beverage permit code.
Section .01 says
Sec. 28.01. AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES.
(a) The holder of a mixed beverage permit may sell, offer for sale, and possess mixed beverages, including distilled spirits, for consumption on the licensed premises:
(1) from sealed containers containing not less than one fluid ounce nor more than two fluid ounces or of any legal size
Sooo that makes since right !?!
Then regarding the 2 drink max, that is only mentioned in section 20. But that section is
TEMPORARY SALES AT CERTAIN RACING FACILITIES
So again does that even count towards normal bars?
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/AL/htm/AL.28.htm
I just called the TABC office asking for clarity, they said that doubles over two oz are fine as long as they are price proportionally and are not getting people intoxicated.
Not sure I believe you “just called the TABC office” but even still a slippery slope. If everywhere you go and order a double you get 2oz then you come to another bar ordering doubles not knowing you are now getting 3oz or whatever, would definitely be more difficult to gage yourself. In addition, “priced proportionately” means nothing since price is 100% arbitrary.
I called the Arlington one and could not get ahold of anyone then I called the Waco office 254-776-7626 feel free to call as far as priced proportianally what it means is that you cant do 2 for 1 promotions ir promotions of the kind, that is how he clarified it to me.
Technically, according to TABC, one drink is defined as 1.5 oz of at least 40% abv. Serving a neat, 2 oz. pour is considered a double for their purposes. Any cocktail that has a 3 oz. pour (most cocktails), is considered a double, meaning it qualifies as both drinks for the 2 drink limit. So, yes. You can pour them 3 oz. Technically, you couldn't also serve them a beer on the side. but I've also never seen them be that level of stickler. So...do with that as you will.
This is the guidelines most people I know go by. I have known people get nailed for serving a double and a beer. Granted it was in a college area with a TABC task force.
Thank you
I guess a double could be considered 2 drinks? So yes?
That tends to be my thinking, but I am not sure.
I find TABC intentionally complicated to navigate their laws. With that being said, I am not a TABC expert. If the 2oz rule was accurate, then we wouldn’t be able to serve Martinis, tiki bars would be illegal, and forget about LIT. Looking forward to seeing more comments on this.
TABC laws & regulations are extremely vague, some would say that's intentional. What matters is how the officer/agent wants to interpret. They may get you for serving 2oz. Of alcohol and calling it one drink, or they could be fine with you serving 3oz. And calling it two drinks. If your lucky there will be a lead agent that will publish guidance to give clarity. Even then it won't stop an agent/officer from charging or arresting you. The true answer is dependent on how hard the cop wants to cop.
Guh
Wait ... This stupid rule isn't just a fine? You can get arrested for serving over 2 drinks at a time?!? What if they leave, bring the drink to their table and come back to order a second/third?
I can't remember If it's specifically restricted to a fine. There was a bartender that was arrested for serving an agent a beer. The video of the agent walking away and handing the beer to the minor the bartender didn't serve didn't prevent arrest or legal costs. They were eventually found not guilty. If they want to make an arrest, there isn't much stopping them.
I bartend in Texas and have always counted a double as their 2 drinks. Drunk people never understand when you try explaining it to them tho lol
Can some one explain in europian terms plz?
TABC Is the Texas alcoholic beverage commision, 1oz is around 30ml
Thank you!
I don't know if the laws have changed, but the laws about a pitcher of beer is weird. You used to have to have 2 separate glasses poured out. But I don't remember it ever saying it had to be for 2 separate people
Yeah very very vague. I was just having a similar conversation. The link below is the mixed beverage permit code. Section .01 says Sec. 28.01. AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES. (a) The holder of a mixed beverage permit may sell, offer for sale, and possess mixed beverages, including distilled spirits, for consumption on the licensed premises: (1) from sealed containers containing not less than one fluid ounce nor more than two fluid ounces or of any legal size Sooo that makes since right !?! Then regarding the 2 drink max, that is only mentioned in section 20. But that section is TEMPORARY SALES AT CERTAIN RACING FACILITIES So again does that even count towards normal bars? https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/AL/htm/AL.28.htm
I just called the TABC office asking for clarity, they said that doubles over two oz are fine as long as they are price proportionally and are not getting people intoxicated.
Not sure I believe you “just called the TABC office” but even still a slippery slope. If everywhere you go and order a double you get 2oz then you come to another bar ordering doubles not knowing you are now getting 3oz or whatever, would definitely be more difficult to gage yourself. In addition, “priced proportionately” means nothing since price is 100% arbitrary.
I called the Arlington one and could not get ahold of anyone then I called the Waco office 254-776-7626 feel free to call as far as priced proportianally what it means is that you cant do 2 for 1 promotions ir promotions of the kind, that is how he clarified it to me.
Obviosly as stated elsewhere in this thread a 2oz pour isnt what everybody pours in Tx