Six-packs At Six Flags: Texas OKs Park Beer Sales

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Six Flags Over Texas customers will get to swill beers at the theme park starting Saturday.

Across the street, Hurricane Harbor customers can purchase beer when the water park opens for the season on May 16.

The two parks received a mixed-beverage permit Tuesday when the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission ruled an opponent of the beer sales wouldn't get another hearing, said agency spokeswoman Carolyn Beck.

"We're moving forward with offering this service that many guests have requested," said Sharon Parker, a Six Flags spokeswoman.

Despite the permission to sell liquor, the parks said they plan to sell only beer. A 16-ounce cup will sell for $5.99.

Six Flag park-goers would have to drink in the designated spots and couldn't roam with beers in hand, officials said.

The park also would halt alcohol sales on days set aside for students, such as Physics Day and Math and Science Day.

Opponents of the alcohol sales say beer shouldn't be sold at a place geared toward the youth market. They also think increasing the availability of alcohol could worsen the risk of drunken driving accidents.

Six Flags Over Texas already serves liquor at private events at its two catering locations. It also serves alcohol at other parks, including beer and frozen margaritas available at Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio.

The two parks in Arlington are among 20 in the U.S., Mexico and Canada owned by New York-based Six Flags Inc.