Are you ready to start selling alcohol in Texas? Getting a Texas alcohol license is a great way to expand your business and grow your customer base. However, the process can be complex and difficult to navigate.
Luckily, this guide has everything you need to get your Texas alcohol license. We’ll cover the different types of licenses, the application process, and the costs associated with obtaining a license.
With this guide, you’ll be well on your way to selling alcohol in Texas in no time. So read on to learn more about how to get your Texas alcohol license.
Types of Texas Alcohol Licenses
There are a few different types of Texas alcohol licenses you can apply for. Depending on your business and the types of alcohol you plan to sell, you may only be eligible for one type of license.
Keep in mind that each type of license comes with a different price tag. So make sure you understand the costs associated with each license before applying. The three types of licenses are:
- Retail On-Premise Alcohol – For businesses that sell alcohol to be consumed on-site
- Retail Off-Premise Beer Wine And Liquor – For businesses that sell alcohol to be consumed off-site
- Restaurant Wine And Beer – For businesses that sell wine and beer to be consumed on-site.
Eligibility Requirements for a Texas Alcohol License
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) requires all business owners to meet eligibility requirements before obtaining a license. If you don’t meet these requirements, you may not be able to obtain a valid license.
If you’re unsure of your eligibility, it’s best to apply for a temporary permit first. That way you can test the market and see if there’s a demand for your product before applying for a full license.
The TABC requires all business owners to meet the following eligibility requirements:
- You must be 18 years old to obtain an alcohol license in Texas
- You must be a U.S. citizen
- You must be a resident of Texas (or have been a resident for at least 90 days)
- You must not have any criminal convictions or outstanding judgments related to alcohol.
How to Apply for a Texas Alcohol License
You can apply for a Texas alcohol license online using TABC’s My Business Portal. You’ll need to create an account and fill out the following information:
- Business name
- Business owner name and contact information
- Business address
- Business Type
- Business activity (why you want this license)
- Location address of your business (if you have multiple locations, you’ll need to fill this out for each one)
- Type of license you’re applying for
- Tax clearance number
- Proof of identification
- Proof of Social Security number
- Proof of financial ability
- Proof of Texas residency
- If you’re applying for a beer and wine license, you’ll also need to provide proof of insurance.
Cost of Obtaining a Texas Alcohol License
The cost of obtaining a Texas alcohol license depends on the type of license you apply for:
- Retail On-Premise Alcohol – $100
- Retail Off-Premise Beer Wine And Liquor – $100
- Restaurant Wine And Beer – $100.
The above are the base costs for obtaining a license. Along with your application, you may be required to pay additional fees. Fees can include:
- Special local fee
- Background check fee
- Inspection fee
- Administrative fee.
What Documents You Need for Your Texas Alcohol License
When applying for a Texas alcohol license, you’ll need to provide documentation proving you meet all eligibility requirements and are in good standing. The TABC recommends you have the following items on hand before applying:
- Proof of identification
- Proof of Social Security number
- Proof of financial ability
- Proof of Texas residency
- Business financial statement
- Business financial plan
- Business address history
- Business bank statement
- Business credit report
- Business profit and loss statement
- Business balance sheet
- Business cash flow statement
- Business management plan
- Business marketing plan.
How to Renew or Transfer Your Texas Alcohol License
If you obtain a retail on-premise alcohol license, you’ll have to renew your license every year. If you obtain a retail off-premise beer, wine, and liquor license, you’ll have to renew your license every two years.
You can renew your retail on-premise alcohol license by logging back into your My Business account and paying the renewal fee. If you obtain a retail off-premise beer, wine, and liquor license, you can renew your license by filling out a new application online.
If you obtained a restaurant wine and beer license, you can transfer your license as long as the TABC approves your change of ownership. You can do this by filling out a new application online and forwarding your new application to the appropriate regulatory authority.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Getting a Texas Alcohol License
There are a few common mistakes to avoid when getting a Texas alcohol license. The most important thing to remember is, to be honest on your application. If you lie or falsify information, you could face severe consequences.
You could be charged with a felony, have your license revoked, or even face jail time. Avoid these mistakes to make sure you get your Texas alcohol license as quickly as possible. Another mistake to avoid is making sure your business is prepared to receive an inspection.
Once your application is approved, the TABC will send you a letter scheduling you for an inspection at your business location. It’s important to be prepared for the inspection. If you’re caught unprepared, the inspector may deny your application.
Benefits of Having a Texas Alcohol License
A Texas alcohol license gives you the legal right to distribute and sell alcohol in the state. It also allows you to apply for a vendor’s permit and sell directly to consumers from your business facility.
Additionally, a valid license entitles you to reduced property taxes. However, you must meet all the eligibility requirements and renew your license each year. Having a valid alcohol license also allows you to apply for a permit to hold an alcohol-related event. This can be helpful if you want to host a community event that features alcohol.
A valid alcohol license is also necessary if you want to apply for a liquor license. Having a liquor license can be lucrative, but it’s only available to businesses that have a valid alcohol license.
Conclusion
Now that you know what types of licenses are available and what documents you need, apply for a license online and begin the process of getting your Texas alcohol license. Keep in mind that the process can take up to 90 days to process. Don’t forget to renew your license each year to ensure it stays valid.
