Drinking in Austin has become an expensive affair, where a cocktail at a decent bar or restaurant could easily set you back a cool $17. But there is one place where you can catch a free buzz: South Congress.
The tourist and shopping district has embraced handing out beer and liquor to shoppers perusing boots or clothes, an experience that previously felt limited to wedding dress shopping. On the first Thursday in September, one could find a free “happy hour” at designer clothing store Billy Reid, refreshments at Aviator Nation, and champagne at Hermés (presumably—I’m not rich enough to even walk in there).
It’s perfectly legal for South Congress retailers to offer a beer, mixed drink or shot to shoppers. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission says any retailer can offer alcohol without a license or permit, as long as it is truly “free”—meaning it must be available to any adult who walks in the door and requests it…