The 51% sign rule in Texas

A single field in the TABC dataset that carries real legal weight.

Texas requires certain licensed premises to post a red sign reading “51%” at every entrance. It is the only field in any of our three states that changes the criminal law applying to a visitor.

What triggers it

Where a business derives more than 51% of its gross receipts from the on-premises sale of alcoholic beverages, TABC designates it accordingly and the sign is mandatory. In practice this separates bars from restaurants that serve alcohol.

Why it matters

Carrying a firearm onto a premises posting the 51% sign is a felony under Texas law, including for licence holders who may otherwise carry. The sign is the legal notice.

Where to find it here

The TABC dataset publishes a gun_sign field. Where it is populated, we surface it on the licence record. It is not on most consumer-facing sources at all.

A caveat worth stating

The designation follows revenue mix, which changes. The register reflects what TABC has recorded, not necessarily today’s posting. The sign at the door is the operative notice, not this page.