Bills › 91st General Assembly
Permitting a city to create social districts allowing for the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages in certain public places
Sponsored by the House State Government Committee, Rep. Taylor R. Collins (R)
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedJanuary 14, 2026
- Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 20, 2026
- Done: House committeeFebruary 4, 2026
- Done: Passes the HouseFebruary 23, 202686–3
- Stopped: Senate committeeDied when the General Assembly ended
- Next: Passes the Senate
- Next: To the Governor
- Next: Signed into law
Died when the session ended The 2026 session adjourned on May 3, 2026, the General Assembly’s last regular session. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died. What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
AI summary Cities would have the power to create special areas where people can legally drink alcohol in public spaces like sidewalks and roadways. Local leaders must set specific rules for these districts, including maps, allowed hours, and how drinks must be contained. This change affects bars and restaurants that hold certain licenses and the people who visit these designated zones.1
Read the official explanation
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly. This bill permits a city to create social districts (district) allowing for the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages in certain public places. A city may define by ordinance an area which may be used by holders of class “C” or special class “C” retail alcohol licenses in a district. A class “C” license allows commercial establishments like bars and restaurants to sell alcoholic liquor, wine, and beer, and a special class “C” license allows such establishments to sell just wine and beer. The bill defines a “district” to mean a defined area that allows for the possession and consumption of alcoholic liquor, wine, and beer on public roadways, sidewalks, and other public spaces within the boundaries of the district. An ordinance adopted pursuant to the bill is required to include the following: (1) a legal description or map of the district, (2) the days and hours the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages is permitted, (3) the requirements for containers containing alcoholic beverages consumed in the district and the use of such containers, (4) the requirements for retail alcohol licensees participating in the district, (5) enforcement provisions, and (6) revocation and suspension provisions for the retail alcohol licensees and the district. The bill specifies an ordinance shall not be construed to authorize the consumption of alcoholic beverages in a motor vehicle or on public streets, sidewalks, and other public spaces during the times when the ordinance is not in effect; authorize the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages in a manner contrary to the provisions of Code chapter 123 (alcohol beverage control); or prohibit a participating retail alcohol licensee in the district or other establishment in the district from denying entry to persons who possess alcohol from other participating retail alcohol licensees in the district.
Why it matters. Cities could create specific areas where people are allowed to possess and consume alcoholic beverages on public sidewalks, roadways, and other public spaces. Local businesses with certain alcohol licenses could participate in these districts under rules set by city ordinances.2
Senate subcommittee
Named February 26, 2026. It hasn’t reported yet.
Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part