It’s no secret that last year was devastating for all of us. However, some were hit much harder by the COVID-19 pandemic than others. According to the Texas Restaurant Association, around 700,000 people in the industry lost their jobs in the first months of the pandemic, and thousands of restaurants were closed. House Bill 1024 is looking to change that. It allows for pickup and delivery orders of beer, wine, and other drinks. Although this will provide a new stream of revenue for restaurants, it can also lead to an increase in the number of DUIs. We’ll discuss this new law and provide you with a few tips on how to avoid a DUI.
House Bill 1024
With the signing of this new bill, Texas now allows restaurants to include alcoholic beverages in their take-out menus. Governor Abbott believes this will help increase revenue streams for restaurants that are struggling, due to the pandemic. Owners of these businesses share in the governor’s optimism and are now offering beer, wine, and mixed drinks to go.
Historically, Texas has always been restrictive about alcohol. Ever since the end of the Prohibition era, you couldn’t buy drinks on Sundays in liquor stores. Moreover, the distilleries had limitations pertaining to how many bottles a customer could purchase. However, this new reality we’re living in calls for drastic measures, and while you can’t have a drink at the restaurant, you might as well be able to enjoy it in your car.
How to Avoid a DUI Conviction
While the new law may be convenient for restaurants that are running out of business, it may tempt some people to sip a drink behind the wheel. That’s why it’s extremely important to self-monitor and avoid these situations. It’s the simplest, yet most effective way to avoid impaired driving and jail time.
Nevertheless, if you succumb to using alcohol while in your car, you should at least keep it under the legal limit in Texas. This limit is 0.08%, just like in all other states, except for Utah, which is stricter, with a 0.05% blood alcohol concentration. If a police officer pulls you over to see whether you’ve been drinking, it’s key to remain calm and be cooperative. You need to hand them your license, but you don’t have to say that you have been drinking.
In Texas, the law doesn’t require you to do a blood or breath test. Moreover, you don’t need to take a field sobriety test. However, if the police make a DUI arrest, you should request a lawyer before you answer any questions or do a chemical test. Your DUI attorney will advise you on what test to take (urine, blood, or breath). Lastly, you shouldn’t plead guilty immediately. A judge might drop your DUI charges for various reasons, ranging from faulty tests to not following arrest protocols.
Contact A-EZ Bail Bonds
Like we’ve said, not drinking is the best possible choice to make if you’re going to get behind the wheel. However, if an accident happens and you do end up in custody, you can always count on A-EZ Bail Bonds to help you out. We are available 24/7, any day of the year. With our help, you will secure an affordable bond and face your DUI charges from the outside.