Selling alcohol can be a lucrative addition to any business model. But, it’s essential to understand the different types of liquor licenses and permits in Texas before you start the application process.
TABC rules cover every aspect of the alcohol industry, from production to consumption. Counties and cities may have additional local ordinances, zoning restrictions, fees, standards for late-hour business operations, and certificate of occupancy requirements.
Types of Liquor Licenses and Permits
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) oversees all aspects of the alcoholic beverage industry, including advertising, manufacturing, distribution, sales, and taxation. Depending on your business model, Forty-three licenses and permits may be required.
The first step in the process is to determine which license or permit type best fits your company. Once you have done this, you can start the application process.
For example, if you plan on selling beer to be consumed on the premises, you will need a BG (Wine and Beer Retailer’s Permit). If you plan on importing and distributing beer, you need a BI license. Liquor licensing fees can vary widely, depending on where your company is located in the state and if your city or county is considered wet or dry.
TABC Fees and Surcharges
The state’s fee for a license isn’t the only one you’ll need to pay. Counties and cities often have their local fees as well, and you should contact them early to make sure you know what they are and how much they will cost.
Getting the city, county, and comptroller to sign off on form L-Cert for your business location is also a good idea. It is to ensure that the potential location is wet for the TABC permit you’re seeking and to verify that there are no municipal ordinances like zoning restrictions or late-hour operations standards that might interfere with your ability to serve alcohol.
Once you have narrowed down the type of Texas alcohol permit or license you’re interested in, look at the requirements on the AIMS portal. You’ll need to create an account on the portal and pay your licensing fee, which varies by permit. You’ll then be provided with a tracking number, which you can use to check your application status at any time.
Liquor License Requirements
While adding alcohol sales to your business might seem like a quick way to increase profits, it’s essential to know that the states, counties, and cities all have different requirements. These include zoning restrictions, late hours, and cartage rules.
The TABC requires businesses to complete a location and business packet, publish a notice, and create a publisher’s affidavit. There may also be local ordinances such as 1,000-foot alcohol-free zones around schools and other rules relating to the use of public space.
Besides knowing which type of license your business needs, you must make sure that everyone on your staff has seller server training and understands the responsibilities involved in serving alcohol to customers. It includes refusing service to intoxicated people and ensuring that minors are not served. TABC-approved alcohol awareness training courses are available online to help you prepare for these critical responsibilities. Consider working with a TABC license service agency to help you navigate the complex TABC process.
Liquor License Applications
The best place to start when considering adding alcohol sales to your business model is the TABC website, where you can learn about the state’s licensing requirements. However, it’s also essential to consider the rules and ordinances of your county and city, which might add additional requirements. These include zoning restrictions, fees, late-hours rules, and certificate of occupancy requirements.
You’ll also need to decide which tier of the TABC system you want to operate in, as each has its own insurance and licensing requirements. For instance, retail applicants might need workers’ compensation and general liability insurance, while manufacturers, distributors, and wholesalers would need liquor liability insurance. In addition, you’ll likely need to complete a TABC licensing course and have no recent violations of moral turpitude. Lastly, you might need to get a sign for your location, which requires 60 days of public notice.
