Staff Writer | January 13, 2026
CUERO, Texas — The Cuero City Council voted Monday evening, January 13, 2026, to deny a Conditional Use Permit that would have allowed Stir Soda Shoppe to sell alcohol at its location at 300 Park Heights Drive, a site situated near Cuero High School.
The decision followed a public hearing that drew a larger‑than‑usual crowd. Several attendees voiced concerns about permitting alcohol sales so close to school grounds. Some on the council briefly discussed whether limiting alcohol sales to certain hours might be an option, but the City Manager clarified that TABC does not allow cities to impose hour‑based restrictions as a condition of a permit. Councilman Arroyo, who also serves as a coach for Cuero ISD, emphasized his concern about the location’s proximity to the school. He further noted that the business’s drive‑through made alcohol “too easy to access,” a point that appeared to resonate with many in the room.
Councilmembers also addressed comparisons raised during the discussion, including the fact that H‑E‑B and Walmart both sell alcohol and are located relatively close to the school. Arroyo countered that Stir Soda Shoppe’s drive‑through model created a different level of convenience, allowing alcohol to be purchased quickly without customers ever leaving their vehicles.
Under Texas law, businesses that sell alcohol must be at least 300 feet from a public or private school, measured property‑line to property‑line. Cities and school districts may expand that buffer to 1,000 feet, but only if the school board formally requests it. The proximity of Stir Soda Shoppe to nearby school property remained a central concern throughout the hearing. Several attendees and councilmembers noted that even if the business meets the minimum legal distance, the spirit of the law—protecting school zones from easy access to alcohol—still weighed heavily in their decision.
The atmosphere in the chamber reflected the community’s investment in the issue. At one point, a voice from the back of the room called out, “Just say no!” as the council continued its debate. No representative from Stir Soda Shoppe was present to answer questions or respond to concerns.
After discussion, the council voted to deny the permit, a decision that drew applause from many in attendance and underscored the strong sentiment expressed throughout the hearing.
The denial means Stir Soda Shoppe will continue operating as a non‑alcoholic establishment and will not be permitted to sell alcoholic beverages at its current location under the request considered Monday night.