Trusted By Businesses Across Texas

Houston, TX Liquor License Agency: Serving Businesses Across Texas

Our CEO Richard Wills: The “Inside Advantage” for Texas Liquor Licensing

In the complex world of TABC regulations, there is no substitute for experience from behind the desk. Richard Wills, Executive Director of Gerald Franklin Agency, brings a rare “insider” perspective to every client we serve.

Before leading Gerald Franklin Agency, Richard served for decades as a Regional Supervisor of Licensing and Compliance for the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC). While most consultants guess how the state might interpret a rule, Richard was the one implementing those rules. This tenure at the highest levels of the TABC means our clients benefit from:

• Unmatched Regulatory Insight: Richard understands the nuances of the TABC code because he helped supervise its enforcement.
• A Proven Track Record: For over 30 years, he has successfully navigated the path from application to approval for thousands of Texas businesses.
• Insider Strategy: We know the TABC interview and premises inspection process from the auditor’s perspective, allowing us to proactively address issues before they cause delays.

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Navigating the Path to a Business Liquor License

For any Texas business—whether a boutique restaurant, a statewide retail chain, or a major wholesaler—the liquor license application process is notoriously complex. It involves a labyrinth of state regulations and strict municipal codes that vary by city and county. At the Gerald Franklin Agency, we specialize in identifying and resolving the critical pitfalls that lead to catastrophic delays and lost revenue:

Statewide Distance Measurement Compliance:

Texas law allows municipalities to enforce “Alcohol-Free Zones,” typically prohibiting sales within 300 to 1,000 feet of schools, churches, or public hospitals. Because these measurements are calculated differently depending on the institution (e.g., property-line to property-line vs. door-to-door), precision is vital. Our staff at Gerald Franklin Agency coordinate with licensed surveyors and handles the **Affidavit of Measurements** to ensure your site is legally compliant before you commit to a lease.

Multi-Level Local Certifications:

 Every business liquor license in Texas requires a “double-track” certification process. This involves securing physical signatures from the City Secretary, the County Clerk, and the State Comptroller to verify local and state tax standing. **For our Houston-based clients**, we hand-carry these documents directly to the **Houston Permitting Center at 1002 Washington Ave**, ensuring every local fee is paid and every signature is secured in person. We apply this same level of meticulous physical and digital follow-up for clients across all Texas jurisdictions.

Strategic Permit Selection:

 Choosing the wrong permit type can limit your business model or lead to legal violations. Should your business apply for a Mixed Beverage Permit (MB) to serve distilled spirits, or a Wine and Malt Beverage Retailer’s Permit (BG)? We analyze your specific business model—whether on-premise dining, off-premise retail, or manufacturing—to ensure you have the exact coverage required to maximize your legal sales capacity. 

Comprehensive Licensing, Permits, and Bonds Across Texas

Gerald Franklin Agency offers true end-to-end TABC compliance services. We handle the “all-in-one” permitting needs for restaurants, bars, liquor stores, and sporting venues across Texas:

• Surety & Performance Bonds: We provide the conduct surety bonds and performance bonds required by the TABC in-house.
• Ancillary Texas Permits: We secure your Tobacco License, Lottery (Lone Star) permits, and Sales Tax permits.
• Specialized Licenses: From Special Occupational Tax Stamps to Dance Hall and Special Use Permits for various Texas municipalities.

The Gerald Franklin Agency Process: Fast, Reliable, and Thorough

1. Documentation Gathering: We prepare all required paperwork, including Personal History Sheets and Measurement Information.
2. State & Local Filing: We submit applications to the TABC, the city and county (when needed) and the State Comptroller.
3. Inspection Preparation: We guide you through the TABC interview and premises inspection.
4. Final Delivery: Once all court hearings and reviews are satisfied, we deliver your approved license so you can begin sales immediately.

Ready to Start Your Texas Liquor License Application?

With over 80 years of experience, 20,000+ permits processed, and the “Inside Advantage” of a former TABC Regional Supervisor, the Gerald Franklin Agency is the gold standard for licensing.

Contact our Houston, Texas headquarters today for a Texas liquor license consultation.

Email Us Call: 713-868-0068

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Texas business liquor license cost?

The total investment for a liquor license is comprised of three main components: the State Fee (set by the TABC), the Local Fee (typically 50% of the state fee, charged by the city or county), and Ancillary Costs (such as conduct surety bonds and mandatory public notice advertisements). Because fees vary significantly depending on your specific permit type and location, we provide a detailed cost breakdown during our initial consultation to help you budget accurately for your grand opening.

How do I apply for a liquor license in Houston vs. the rest of Texas?

While the TABC utilizes the AIMS digital portal for state-level filing, Texas law still requires physical “wet signatures” and certifications from local city and county officials. In **Houston and Harris County** This involves a specific coordination process with the City Secretary and the County Clerk. Gerald Franklin Agency manages this entire physical and digital “paper trail” for you, ensuring that local certifications are secured in person to avoid the delays common with digital-only submissions.

What is the difference between a Malt Beverage Permit and Beer/Wine?

Following the 2021 TABC code consolidation, the state merged “beer” and “ale” into the single category of **Malt Beverages**. This change simplified the permit structure but required many businesses to update their legal filings. We ensure your application uses the latest legal terminology to prevent administrative rejections by the state or local county courts.

Can I get a license if my business is near a school or church?

Generally, Texas law prohibits the sale of alcohol within 300 to 1,000 feet of these institutions. However, the way these distances are measured can vary by municipality, and certain “Food and Beverage Certificate” exceptions may apply. We perform a precise site analysis for our clients to determine if a location is legally viable before they commit to a lease or purchase.

What is a Texas Wholesaler License?

A wholesaler license is for the “Middle Tier”—businesses that purchase from manufacturers and sell to retailers. This is one of the most strictly regulated sectors in the Texas alcoholic beverage industry. Gerald Franklin Agency is one of the few agencies with the deep technical experience required to handle these complex applications for distributors located in Houston, Dallas, and across the state.