What offense does TABC §109.35(e) describe?

• A. Possessing an open container of alcohol in a vehicle located on licensed premises, where open containers are prohibited.
• B. Opening an open container in a vehicle off premises.
• C. Carrying a container of alcohol in a licensed premises without permit.
• D. Consuming alcohol in a vehicle on a licensed premises.

Answer: (A)

The offense focuses on possession of an open container of alcohol inside a motor vehicle when that vehicle is located on licensed premises, where open containers are prohibited. In this situation, having an opened or unsealed alcoholic beverage in the car on the establishment’s property is itself the violation, regardless of whether you plan to drink it there.

This matters because the rule targets the combination of an open container and the vehicle’s presence on licensed premises, not merely opening a container or consuming alcohol. Other scenarios—opening an open container in a vehicle off premises, carrying a container without a permit, or consuming alcohol in a vehicle on licensed premises—fall under different provisions and describe different prohibited acts.