S.B. No. 246 amends the Alcoholic Beverage Code to permit the direct shipment of distilled spirits and malt beverages to consumers in Texas, including those in dry areas, by holders of relevant permits. The bill establishes specific labeling requirements for shipments, mandates that deliveries can only be made to individuals aged 21 and older, and outlines necessary identification and acknowledgment of receipt. It also introduces an out-of-state distillery direct shipper's permit and an out-of-state brewery direct shipper's license, allowing out-of-state producers to sell and deliver their products to Texas consumers under strict regulations, including compliance with state taxes and prohibitions on sales to minors.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the responsibilities of retailers and manufacturers regarding the delivery of alcoholic beverages, stating that their obligations are fulfilled once possession is transferred to a delivery permittee or driver. It removes the requirement for retailers or manufacturers to verify delivery driver training and specifies that they are not liable for the actions of delivery drivers unless they have contractually retained responsibility. The bill also modifies Section 107.07(f) to address violations related to shipping alcoholic beverages to Texas residents and repeals Section 14.05(d), which may have previously outlined certain regulations. These changes will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Alcoholic Beverage Code 16.09, Alcoholic Beverage Code 41.01, Alcoholic Beverage Code 41.04, Alcoholic Beverage Code 57.01, Alcoholic Beverage Code 57.02, Alcoholic Beverage Code 57.04, Alcoholic Beverage Code 57.06, Alcoholic Beverage Code 57.07, Alcoholic Beverage Code 107.04, Alcoholic Beverage Code 107.05, Alcoholic Beverage Code 107.07, Alcoholic Beverage Code 14.05 (Alcoholic Beverage Code 107, Alcoholic Beverage Code 57, Alcoholic Beverage Code 41, Alcoholic Beverage Code 14, Alcoholic Beverage Code 16)