Getting your new license or permit can take time and effort. There are multiple forms to complete and city, county & comptroller certifications to deal with.
It’s important to know which TABC permit fits your business plan and then determine whether your location is wet or dry for that permit. Having this information will save you time and money.
Get Started Early
In Texas, working with alcohol is more than just a job; it’s a responsibility. Whether you’re behind the bar in a bustling city or serving up drinks at a small-town event, there’s an unspoken agreement that you know your craft and understand the state laws that govern it.
You must understand which license or permit is proper for your business model, location, and eligibility criteria. And while it’s not easy to navigate the TABC licensing process, it can be easier if you start early and stay organized.
First, you’ll want to complete an online TABC certification course from an approved provider and obtain your certificate. You’ll need to include an attestation form alongside your application in AIMS to verify that you completed the course. You’ll also need to pay applicable city and county fees, varying from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. You must add those to your account if you have existing TABC licenses or permits.
Do Your Research
Any business that plans to sell, manufacture, or distribute alcohol must obtain a TABC license or permit. It can include restaurants, bars, breweries, hotels, and package stores.
Deciding which type of TABC liquor license will work for your business model should be one of the first steps you take before applying. Once you know which license type you need, you’ll have to find a city or county that allows those permits. A list TABC has prepared that shows which cities and counties are wet or dry for specific TABC licenses can be found here.
You’ll also need to register your alcoholic beverage product with TABC once you receive your license or permit. TABC provides step-by-step guidance for doing so, as well as resources to assist with paper applications.
Be Prepared to Pay
If you’re thinking of opening a bar, restaurant, or any other business selling alcohol, it’s essential to understand your responsibilities and obligations as a TABC license or permit holder. It includes training your staff, creating policies dictating how you will serve alcohol to ensure people don’t become too intoxicated (a class A misdemeanor), and paying the licensing fees you owe.
Depending on your intended purpose, Texas has several different TABC licensing types. The best thing to do is decide what license or permit you need based on your business model. Once you’ve figured that out, take the required courses and TABC TIPS certification, and then apply through AIMS or submit the necessary documents for your license or permit. TABC says issuing a new license can take up to 50 days after receiving your application. It is much faster than when the organization used to process paper applications.
Be Flexible
The application process can take up to 50 days, so flexibility is essential. You must submit a complete application with all sections signed and notarized. You’ll also need to promptly respond to any requests by TABC or local governments for additional information.
Deciding which type of TABC license or permit you’ll need should be one of the first steps in your application. Be sure to consider the type of alcohol you want to sell and your location. You’ll need to find a city or county that will allow you to operate in the establishment you envision. It’s also important to remember that if you’re going to be holding an interest in more than one tier of the alcoholic beverage industry (retail, manufacturing, or distributing), you’ll need a corresponding permit. If you don’t, your business will violate Texas law.
