Yes sir they can. I owned a restaurant(in Houston) and know the TABC protocol to a T. If you sell food, you can sell alcohol before noon and I am 100% certain
This above.
I owned a bar too, in DFW, still involved with it in a way. And we cannot open until noon. We do not serve food.
Though if I don't watch the game at home, I may go early, about 11:00, but drink tea.....get TVs all set, though the daytime bartender can do that.
Will have a few beers after half time, maybe.
If I stay at home, will be coffee in the morning, Gatorade or Dr. Pepper at game time. Then go to bar at half, depending if I really want /need those beers. Depends on what some friends do also.
Key is of serving the alcohol,,they must also order food, you can't go in and just drink.
So some places would give that complimentary salsa and chips....though they ring it up as food, which is really against TABC.