There are many different types of alcoholic beverage licenses and permits issued in the State of Texas. Generally these are divided into three categories:
- Manufacturing – Distilleries, Wineries, Breweries and Beer Manufacturer’s and Non-Resident Seller’s Permits
- Wholesale – General Class B, Local Class B and Wholesaler’s along with Branch, Local and General Beer Distributor’s Licenses
- Retail – Mixed Beverage Permits, Wine and Beer Retailer’s On or Off Premise Permits, as well as Package Store Permits and Local Distributor Permits
There are a variety of ancillary licenses and permits that allow for sale during extended hours, storage of alcohol, catering permits, temporary permits, etc.
Qualifications for a Texas Liquor License
Texas law requires businesses that plan to produce, sell or distribute alcohol to obtain the proper licenses. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission or TABC is the government agency that regulates the qualification guidelines for the production, sale or distribution of alcohol. Retail businesses where alcohol is going to be sold for on premise consumption, or privately at a location away from the business will need additional certification. Liquor licenses for special events are available for organizations that want to include the sale of alcohol as part of their event or fundraiser. Due to the many variables in the sale of alcohol, there are 67 different liquor licenses available.
Who Is Eligible to Obtain a Texas Liquor License?
You will be ineligible for a Texas liquor license if any of the following apply to you:
- You received a felony conviction up to five years prior to your application
- You broke the Texas liquor and alcohol code at least two years before you applied for a new license
- Your violation of the alcohol code was within the past six months, and the authorities claim that this violation involves “moral turpitude”
In addition, you must be at least 21 years old, have no tax debts, and demonstrate that you are of “good moral character” in order to be eligible for a Texas alcoholic beverage license.
The Application for On-Premise Consumption
The application for an on-premise Texas beer license is the TABC’s Form L-ON. This application must be submitted with the certificate for late hour operations. If you operate an excursion boat, buffet or club car, you must also submit a county clerk certificate that verifies the alcoholic content in the beer and/or wine that you will be serving. All business establishments, nightclubs and restaurants must be located in a wet area where the consumption of alcohol is legal. Your county or city certificate to verify this fact must be included in the application process.
The Application for Off-Premise Consumption
Form L-OFF is for establishments that sell alcohol for off-premise consumption. These business owners must present a county or city certificate that verifies that their business will be located in a wet area. Package goods liquor stores are required to publish a notification in their local newspaper announcing the opening of the business.
The Application for Temporary Permits
Short term events like fairs and festivals that plan to sell alcohol must apply for a TABC temporary license. These temporary permits are awarded to businesses that already have a current liquor license and want to host an event off premise for religious, charitable and civic organizations. This type of license is not necessary for events that do not require payment for alcoholic beverages.
The Application for Renewal of your Liquor License
Let the Gerald Franklin Agency manage your City, County and State alcohol renewals. By letting GFA do your city, county and state alcohol renewals you will be able to contact us 24/7 with any TABC alcohol related questions you might have.
This is a win win for everyone.
If you are unfamiliar with the legal requirements for your business, you may not know exactly what type of licenses or permits you will need. This is why our Texas license services are necessary. Gerald Franklin Agency is a Texas liquor license service that will help you navigate through this seemingly daunting process. Contact us today, and we will complete and process the correct application forms for your business.
