I recently saw a snide comment about a photo that included children.

It was taken inside a Texas liquor store that serves non-alcoholic slushes that folks can add liquor to when they get home.

What are the kids doing? Isn't illegal for them even be in there much less with a drink?

Short answer: NO. It is not illegal for children, who are accompanied by their parent or guardian, to be inside a Texas liquor store. And yes, they can have a non-alcoholic drink. They get thirsty, too.

What Does The TABC Have To Say About It

Generally yes, if they do not possess or consume an alcoholic beverage. A minor may not enter the premises of a package store unless accompanied by an adult parent, spouse or guardian. A licensee or permittee may have a “house rule” that minors may not enter their licensed premises.

Read More: Is It Legal In Texas For Minors To Get Drunk With Their Parents?

In other words, if you are a minor with your legal guardian or of-age spouse you are good to go as long as you're not carrying around any alcoholic beverages. The store can decide if they want minors in the store, but the rule has to apply to all minors.

If I owned a liquor store in an area with many potential underage drinkers, I'd probably have that house rule, as the fine for selling to a minor is up to $4000 and a possible 1-year jail sentence. Yikes. Not to mention any additional fines/ jail time or civil penalties should the minor get hurt.

If the liquor store allows kids, it's much better to bring them in with you instead of leaving them alone in the car. It's also a good way to teach children to keep their hands to themselves and to learn that not everything revolves around them.

I went into liquor stores with my parents, with my hands behind my back. And since I was good and didn't run around or touch anything, I usually got a bad of candy out of it. Now that I'm an adult, I still also pick up the bag of candy, along with my gin.