Welcome to Austin! We’re glad you’re here, and we hope you have a safe and enjoyable time in our great city. Our rules and regulations surrounding tobacco and alcohol use and consumption may differ from what you are accustomed to at home. Please read below to find out more about smoking and drinking laws in the City of Austin and the State of Texas.
Purchasing & Smoking Tobacco
In the City of Austin, smoking is not allowed in public places, including City parks, libraries, buses or within 15 feet of any pedestrian entrance. This ban includes bars and restaurant establishments. Smoking is allowed in private residences. If you are staying in a hotel and wish to smoke, please request a designated smoking room.
The use or purchase of tobacco products is prohibited for individuals younger than 18 years of age. Anyone under the age of 27 is required to show identification to purchase tobacco. Learn more about tobacco laws in Texas.
Purchasing & Consuming Alcohol
The drinking age in the State of Texas is 21 years of age. Learn more about underage drinking laws in Texas.
Store clerks, wait staff and bartenders often require you to show photo identification to prove that you are of legal drinking age before serving or selling alcohol to you. Learn more about age verification for purchasing alcohol.
It is unlawful and unsafe to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, and the penalties for breaking this law are severe. Learn more about laws related to driving while intoxicated.
