Austin Liquor License: End-to-End TABC Approval & Compliance

Acquiring an Austin liquor license is a unique challenge that requires navigating the city’s notoriously complex “Chapter 25” Land Development Codes. In Austin, zoning is not a suggestion—it is a rigorous barrier that involves the City Clerk, Travis County authorities, and highly active neighborhood associations. At the Gerald Franklin Agency (GFA), we provide the localized expertise and legal consulting necessary to secure your permit in the “Silicon Hills.” Whether you are launching a flagship venue on 6th Street or managing a corporate portfolio of 300 locations, we handle every nook and cranny of the process—from hand-carrying paperwork to the Austin City Clerk to securing your surety bonds.

Richard Wills: The “Inside Advantage” for Austin Liquor Licensing

In a city where code interpretations can shift, 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 joining GFA, 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 Austin clients benefit from:

• Unmatched Regulatory Insight: Richard understands the nuances of the TABC code because he helped supervise its enforcement in Central Texas.
• A Proven Track Record: For over 30 years, he has successfully guided thousands of Texas businesses through the journey from application to approval.

Direct Multi-Agency Coordination: We manage the delicate hand-offs between the TABC, the Austin City Clerk, and the Travis County Clerk to ensure your application never stalls.

How to Avoid the Pitfalls of Getting an Austin Liquor License

The cost of a mistake in Austin is measured in months of lost revenue due to administrative bottlenecks. We help you avoid the common “traps” unique to the Austin market:

1. The Austin “Alcoholic Beverage Waiver”

Austin City Code prohibits selling alcohol within 300 feet of a church, hospital, or school. However, unlike other cities, Austin has a very specific “Waiver” process for businesses that don’t meet these distances. GFA manages the variance application, helping you argue your case before the Austin City Council if your location is within a restricted zone.

2. Zoning & Land Development Code (Chapter 25)

Austin requires a strict “zoning verify” before the City Secretary will sign off on your TABC paperwork. We coordinate with the Austin Development Services Department to ensure your “Commercial Use” designation (General Restaurant, Limited Restaurant, or Late-Night Bar) aligns with your intended permit before you sign a lease.

3. Travis County “Wet/Dry” Certifications

Your Austin liquor license application must be certified by the Travis County Clerk at 5501 Airport Blvd. This involves verifying the “wet/dry” status of your specific precinct and affixing the county seal. We hand-carry these notarized forms to the Clerk’s office to ensure priority handling.

Trusted By Businesses Across Texas

The “All-in-One” Difference: Every Nook and Cranny Handled

Under Richard’s leadership, GFA has evolved into a comprehensive stewardship agency. We provide the legal protection of a high-end firm without the prohibitive fees or the technical errors of a “DIY” approach.

• Choosing the Right License: We determine if you need a Mixed Beverage Permit (MB), a Wine and Malt Beverage Retailer’s Permit (BG), or a Wholesaler License.
• Surety Bonds In-House: Most Austin retail permits require a conduct surety bond. We manage these internally to speed up your filing.

Ancillary Permits: We concurrently handle your Tobacco License, Lotto License, and Sales and Use Tax registration.

Austin Specific FAQs

Where do I pay my Austin local liquor fees?

In Austin, you must pay separate local fees to the City of Austin and Travis County. The City fee is generally collected via the Austin City Clerk (at 301 W. 2nd St.), while the County fee is managed through the Travis County Tax Office. GFA handles these payments for you to ensure your local receipts are posted correctly.

What is the 60-Day Sign requirement in Austin?

If your location has not had an on-premise permit in the last two years, you must post a 24×36-inch sign for 60 days before the TABC can issue your license. GFA manages the sign placement and submits the required photo documentation to the TABC’s AIMS portal to ensure your 60-day clock stays on track.

Does GFA help with Food and Beverage Certificates (FB)?

Yes. In Austin, holding an FB Certificate is often the key to bypassing certain local distance restrictions from schools. We manage the “Food Service” affidavits and TABC filings required to secure this certificate.

How does Austin measure distance from a church?

For an Austin liquor license, the distance to a church or public hospital is measured “front-door to front-door” along the property lines of the street fronts. For schools, it is a “direct line” from property-line to property-line. We provide the professional measurement certifications required to prove compliance.

Can GFA handle my Austin TABC renewals?

Absolutely. We monitor your biennial renewal dates and manage your filings with the Travis County Tax Office to ensure your business remains compliant. Our Portfolio Management service is designed for those managing 1 or 300+ locations.

Secure Your Austin Business with the Gerald Franklin Agency

Don’t leave your investment to chance in Texas’s most bureaucratic city. With GFA, you get the “Inside Advantage” of Richard Wills and a legacy of service that dates back over 80 years. We handle the red tape so you can focus on your business.

Ready to get your Austin liquor license? Contact us today for a streamlined, error-free application process.