Texarkana, TX Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)
Key Facts
- Restricted hours
- 2:15 a.m.-7 a.m. weekdays
- Sunday restricted hours
- 2:15 a.m.-noon
- Entertainment District
- open containers allowed, no glass
- Max fine
- $500
Summary
Texarkana only bans public drinking during narrow overnight windows: 2:15 a.m. to 7 a.m. most days and 2:15 a.m. to noon on Sundays. Outside those hours, open containers are legal citywide, and the Downtown Entertainment District waives even that restriction.
A person commits an offense if he consumes or possesses with intent to consume an alcoholic beverage in a public place at any time on Sunday between 2:15 a.m. and noon and on any other day between 2:15 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.(b)Proof that an alcoholic beverage was possessed with intent to consume in violation of this section requires evidence that the person consumed an alcoholic beverage on that day in violation of this section. (Ord. No. 2018-030, § 2, 4-9-2018)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 27).
Full Breakdown
City code makes it an offense to consume or possess with intent to consume alcohol in a public place only during set hours: 2:15 a.m. to noon on Sunday, and 2:15 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. any other day. Outside those windows, public consumption isn't prohibited. A separate ordinance carves out the Downtown Entertainment District and permitted special events, where a person may possess an open container or drink publicly during days and hours not barred by the base rule, as long as no glass containers are carried on streets, sidewalks, or alleys.
Violations & Fines
Class C misdemeanor; fine up to $500 under the Code's general penalty section
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drink alcohol on a Texarkana, TX sidewalk?
Is open container legal in downtown Texarkana?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Texarkana
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Texarkana to another location·View the Texas public conduct overview
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