Obtaining a Mixed Beverage Permit in Texas
If you plan to serve spirits, wine, and malt beverages for on-premise consumption, the Mixed Beverage Permit (MB) is the most critical asset for your business. Often referred to as a “full liquor license,” this permit is the gold standard for Texas hospitality, allowing you to offer a complete cocktail menu to your patrons.
To secure a Mixed Beverage Permit in Texas, speed and accuracy are everything. A single error in your AIMS filing can delay your opening by months, costing you thousands in lost revenue.
At Gerald Franklin Agency (GFA), we provide an “inside track” that DIY applications and general law firms simply cannot match. Led by Richard “Dick” Willis, a former TABC Regional Supervisor with over 30 years of agency experience, we bridge the gap between complex state regulations and your grand opening. With an on-staff TABC defense attorney and a veteran support team, we ensure your application is perfect the first time.
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What is a mixed beverage permit (MB) used for?
In Texas, the MB permit authorizes the holder to sell distilled spirits, wine, and malt beverages for consumption on the licensed premises.
Unlike more restricted licenses, the Mixed Beverage Permit is comprehensive. It is required for any establishment that wants to serve “hard” liquor (spirits) in addition to beer and wine. Common establishments that require this permit include:
- Full-service restaurants and cocktail bars.
- Nightclubs and music venues.
- Hotels and country clubs.
- Sports arenas and event centers.
2026 Update: Under recent legislative changes, MB holders who also hold a Food and Beverage (FB) Certificate may also be authorized to sell certain alcoholic beverages “to-go” when accompanied by food orders, significantly expanding revenue streams for modern restaurants.
How the mixed beverage permit compares to other Texas licenses
Choosing the wrong permit is one of the most common—and expensive—mistakes new owners make. Understanding the hierarchy of TABC licenses ensures you don’t overpay for authority you don’t need or under-equip your bar.
| Permit Type | Alcohol Authorized | Consumed | Key Difference |
| Mixed Beverage (MB) | Spirits, Wine, Malt | On-Premise | Only permit allowing full spirits/liquor. |
| Wine & Malt (BG) | Wine, Malt Beverages | On & Off | No spirits allowed; lower tax rate (8.25%). |
| Package Store (P) | Spirits, Wine, Malt | Off-Premise | Standard “Liquor Store” model; no on-site drinking. |
| Private Club (N) | Spirits, Wine, Malt | On-Premise | Used primarily in “dry” or restricted areas. |
While the Mixed Beverage Permit offers the most freedom, it also carries the highest tax responsibility. MB holders are subject to a Mixed Beverage Gross Receipts Tax (6.7%) and a Mixed Beverage Sales Tax (8.25%), totaling 14.95% on top of standard operating costs.
TABC pitfalls
The TABC application process is notoriously rigorous. Because our team at GFA includes former TABC Regional Supervisors, we see exactly where DIY applications fail.
- Zoning and the “300-Foot Rule”: Most Texas municipalities prohibit alcohol sales within 300 feet of a school, church, or public hospital. In some Houston and Dallas districts, this can be increased to 1,000 feet.
- AIMS Data Mismatches: With the transition to the Alcohol Industry Management System (AIMS), your business entity data must perfectly match Secretary of State records. A simple typo can trigger an automatic rejection.
- The “Conduct Surety Bond” Requirement: Unless you qualify for an exemption (often through a Food and Beverage Certificate), you must secure a bond to guarantee your tax payments.
- Background Check Disqualifications: TABC vets every “officer” and “owner.” Prior felony convictions or certain misdemeanor TABC violations can result in a permanent bar from holding a permit.
The 2026 TABC compliance report mandate
By June 30, 2026, all Mixed Beverage Permit holders who received their initial license in 2024 or earlier must complete a Mandatory Compliance Report.
This “self-inspection” is conducted via a mobile device and requires live photos of your premises, including your displayed permit, Human Trafficking awareness signs, and public warning signs. Failure to file this report accurately can lead to administrative fines or an unscheduled visit from a TABC auditor. Our agency provides “Pre-Audit Checklists” to ensure your 2026 filing is flawless.
End-to-end agency services and legal support
Gerald Franklin Agency is not just a “paperwork” company. We are a full-service liquor license agency providing the legal and regulatory protection your investment deserves.
- Strategic Consultation: We determine which “subordinate” permits (like Late Hours or Brewpub) you need to maximize profit.
- L-CERT Coordination: We physically walk your application through city and county offices in Austin, Houston, and Dallas for local certification.
- TABC Defense: If you receive a violation notice, our on-staff attorneys and former TABC supervisors negotiate settlements to keep your doors open.
- $0-Tax Strategy: We help you navigate 2026 legislative shifts to minimize your tax liability through proper certification.
Frequently asked questions about Texas MB permits
How much does a Mixed Beverage Permit cost in Texas?
For 2026, the state fee for an original Mixed Beverage (MB) permit is approximately $5,300. Upon renewal every two years, the fee is reduced by roughly 50%. Note that local city and county fees may apply, though many major hubs like Houston offer exemptions for the first few years.
How long does it take to get my TABC permit?
A standard, error-free application typically takes 45 to 60 days via the AIMS system. However, if your location faces “protests” from the community or has complex zoning issues, the process can exceed 90 days.
Can I move my Mixed Beverage Permit to a new location?
Yes, but you must file a “Change of Location” application. Unlike a Beer and Wine permit (which is often locked to the county), a liquor permit can technically be moved anywhere in Texas, provided the new location is “wet” for spirits and meets all local zoning requirements.
Do I need a Food and Beverage Certificate with my MB permit?
While not always required, it is highly recommended. Holding an FB certificate can exempt you from expensive bond requirements and allow you to operate in certain areas where a “standalone bar” would be prohibited.
Ready to get started?
Put the experience of former TABC leadership to work for your business. Call or email us today to get started.