Hallsville Burden of Proof on Violator Concerning Manufacturer-Sealed Container ordinance (§ 600.065)
Chapter 600: Alcoholic Beverages
In short: A sealed container labeled as holding intoxicating liquor is presumed to contain it, and police need not open or test it to prosecute alcohol violations. Anyone who claims it held no liquor must prove that themselves.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
For purposes of determining violations and prosecution under this Chapter, or any rule or regulation of the Supervisor of Alcohol and Tobacco Control, a manufacturer-sealed container describing that there is intoxicating liquor therein need not be opened or the contents therein tested to verify that there is intoxicating liquor in such container. The alleged violator may allege that there was no intoxicating liquor in such container, but the burden of proof of such allegation is on such person, as it shall be presumed that such a sealed container describing that there is intoxicating liquor therein contains intoxicating liquor.
Official source: City of Hallsville official Code of Ordinances (online), § 600.065
Last checked November 1, 2026. The city's official copy controls; this page is a reading copy, not legal advice.