This section lets certain excursion boats get a passenger transportation permit and, in some cases, lets the permit holder sell alcoholic beverages on the boat.
Sec. 48.02. PERMIT FOR EXCURSION BOAT. (a) A passenger transportation permit may be issued for: (1) a regularly scheduled excursion boat which is licensed by the United States Coast Guard to carry passengers on the navigable waters of the state if the boat: (A) carries at least 45 passengers; (B) weighs at least 35 gross tons; and (C) is at least 55 feet long; or (2) a boat that: (A) carries at least 350 passengers; (B) weighs at least 90 gross tons; and (C) is at least 80 feet long. (b) The holder of a passenger transportation permit issued under Subsection (a)(1) may sell the same alcoholic beverages as the holder of a mixed beverage permit if: (1) the home port of the boat is in an area where the sale of mixed beverages is legal or the boat is regularly used for voyages in international waters as provided by Subsection (h); and (2) the owner or operator of the boat is the sole permit holder for the boat. (c) The holder of a passenger transportation permit issued under Subsection (a)(1) may sell the same alcoholic beverages as the holder of a wine and malt beverage retailer's permit if the home port of the boat is in an area where the sale of malt beverages and wine is legal. (d) The holder of a passenger transportation permit issued under Subsection (a)(2) may sell the same alcoholic beverages as the holder of a mixed beverage permit if: (1) the home port of the boat is in an area where the sale of mixed beverages is legal; or (2) the boat is regularly used for voyages in international waters as provided by Subsection (h). (e) A passenger transportation permit issued under this section is inoperative in a dry area. (f) For purposes of Section 11.38, the home port of the boat is treated as the location of the permitted premises. (g) The provisions of Section 109.53 that relate to residency requirements and compliance with Texas laws of incorporation do not apply to the holder of a passenger transportation permit under this section. (h) A passenger transportation permit may be issued under this section to a boat regularly used for voyages in international waters regardless of whether the sale of mixed beverages is lawful in the area of the home port. A person having authority to deliver alcoholic beverages to a passenger transportation permit holder in the county where the permitted premises is located may deliver alcoholic beverages purchased by the permit holder. Added by Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 540, Sec. 2, eff. June 12, 1985. Amended by: Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1359 (H.B. 1545), Sec. 149, eff. September 1, 2021.