Decriminalizing Dallas, daiquiris and marijuana

New Orleans and Las Vegas are the “party cities,” but Dallas wants to get on that list.

When you think of Las Vegas and New Orleans, you imagine people strolling through the streets with cocktails in hand, listening to music and enjoying the moment. Alcohol flows like the mighty Mississippi or the fountains of the Bellagio. But another major city is making a move, and voters will play a role. Here you will find information about the decriminalization of Dallas, daiquiris and marijuana.

New Orleans also has a practice called window hawking, in which bars, clubs and restaurants sell drinks to people outdoors through windows and doors. The practice began in 1967. Las Vegas appears to have allowed take-away drinks from the beginning. Marijuana is still illegal in Louisiana, but Vegas is home to one of the most profitable dispensaries in the US – Planet 13. And there will be CANNABITION: An Elevated Immersive Experience. But Dallas has a different history but looks to the future.

Cannabis poses fewer health risks than alcohol. And unlike alcohol, it has many health benefits. The American Medical Association, AARP, the American College of Physicians and the federal government all agree that cannabis can help patients. But Gov. Greg Abbot has other ideas.

In Texas, including Dallas, liquor can only be purchased at certain liquor stores, which are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and closed on Sundays. Beer and wine can be purchased in stores between 12:00 and 00:00. Bars and restaurants can serve alcohol on Sundays from 10 a.m. if food is ordered or from 12 p.m. if food is not ordered. Certain bars and restaurants can serve until 2 a.m. any night of the week with a “late hour” permit.

But in 2021, Gov. Greg Abbott, emulating New Orleans, allowed “alcoholic beverages” like the Big Easy. Abbott Am signed a law permanently allowing Texans to drink and walk around. There are now drive-thru daiquiri shops in Dallas. But when it comes to the facility, Abbott is a staunch foe, siding with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) in keeping it illegal.

So when it comes to marijuana, the governor and Dallas are at odds. The Lone Star politician is keen for Dallas voters to consider decriminalizing small amounts of cannabis. The state is even threatening to sue the cities. But as usual, opponents are swimming against the tide of public opinion. A poll from the University of Texas at Austin found that the majority of people think laws should be less strict. This is consistent with a Pew Research study that found nearly 90% of the public believe it should be legal in some form. Now Dallas residents have a chance to turn to the public will on Election Day.