Question by James M: How many places serve or sell alcohol without a license?

I have been in places that have totally no alcohol on the menu, and no indication that they were serving alcohol–I looked carefully. There were no beer ads on the walls; no bar visible.

I happened to be standing behind a man who asked the cashier, in a confidential whisper, “Can I get a beer?”

The cashier replied, in a happy, confidential whisper, “You certainly can.”, and pulled a can of beer from under the counter–out of sight. It looked like it had been in an ice bath.

Was I witnessing an illegal transaction?

Was the place selling alcohol without a license?

I am not referring to the bring-your-own-beer places, which I have been told do not need a license.

How bad is the “no license” problem?

Or, was the place–which had a license–trying to maintain its family atmosphere, while still catering to the drinking public?

I avoid places that serve alcohol.

I appreciate any help you can give me.

Thank you,
Jim
P.S.(1): The above happened in Houston, Texas, USA.
P.S.(2): I searched the Internet for “no alcohol license”, and found a few isolated cases, but no overall estimate for how many undiscovered cases there were out there. —Jim
P.S.(3): “Danny”, I can not “don’t go there” if I do not know it is happening. I can not go to all the tables, sniffing at the glasses. And, I got the distinct impression that he, himself, had not brought in the beer. —Jim
P.S.(4): “Danny”, alcohol is a horrible problem that effects everyone in the United States, and, most likely, the World. Drinking alcohol by anyone should be totally eliminated. —Jim
P.S.(5): “Danny”, it is my place to tell everyone not to use alcohol, because it is bad for me, and bad for them. I am making the World a better place for us all. —Jim
P.S.(6): “Danny”, your last sentence is not what I hear; you have misstated the situation. —Jim

Best answer:

Answer by Pfo
If we knew the answer to that question, the number would quickly approach 0 as law enforcement cracked down on them.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!