Hutto voters could decide on expanded alcohol sales in 2027

A group of Hutto business and community leaders launched a petition drive in an effort to put a local alcohol election before voters.

The big picture

In 2006, Hutto voters approved making the city limits “wet,” meaning liquor sales are allowed under state and local law. When a city annexes new land, the newly added areas do not receive the same alcohol status, according to Texas law.

Establishments on land annexed after 2006 are only allowed to sell beer and wine, Hutto officials have previously said.

The petition comes as restaurants offering cocktails, including Longhorn Steakhouse and Olive Garden, are slated to open in Hutto’s newer areas.

Organizers must collect a required number of signatures from registered voters to change a community’s alcohol status, according to state law. If the petition meets the signature threshold, the measure can be placed on the ballot for voters to decide.

What happens next 

If supporters gather enough signatures, Hutto voters would be asked in May whether to expand liquor sales regulations across the city’s current boundaries.

To place the measure before voters, organizers must collect roughly 2,880 valid signatures, city officials said.