San Antonio Liquor License: End-to-End TABC Approval & Compliance

Securing a San Antonio liquor license requires navigating a multi-layered regulatory environment where state mandates meet strict Bexar County and City of San Antonio ordinances. At the Gerald Franklin Agency (GFA), we provide the localized expertise necessary to streamline your path to approval in one of Texas’s most complex markets. Whether you are launching a destination restaurant on the River Walk, a boutique bar in South town, or managing a corporate portfolio of 300 locations, our team handles every detail. We don’t just provide advice; we offer a hands-on service that includes hand-carrying paperwork to San Antonio city offices, securing surety bonds, and managing every “nook and cranny” of the TABC application process.

Richard Wills: The “Inside Advantage” for San Antonio Licensing

In the high-stakes world of alcohol permitting, the most valuable asset is a perspective from the other side of the desk. Richard Wills, Executive Director of Gerald Franklin Agency, brings a rare “insider” perspective to every San Antonio client. Before leading GFA, Richard served for decades as a Regional Supervisor of Licensing and Compliance for the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC).

While other consultants may guess how a local auditor will interpret a specific rule, Richard was the authority implementing those very standards. This tenure at the highest levels of the TABC provides our clients with:

• Decades of Regulatory Experience: Richard’s deep understanding of the TABC code ensures that your application is built to pass the first time.

• Local Process Mastery: For over 30 years, he has successfully guided thousands of Texas businesses through the journey from initial filing to final permit delivery.

• Proactive Stewardship: Under Richard’s leadership, GFA has become a comprehensive agency offering legal-grade protection without the delays of a “DIY” approach.

Trusted By Businesses Across Texas

How to Avoid the Pitfalls of Getting a San Antonio Liquor License

The cost of an application error in San Antonio can be measured in months of lost revenue. We help you avoid the common “traps” that snag unrepresented applicants:

1. The Bexar County “Double-Fee” System

One of the most frequent hurdles for new businesses in San Antonio is the local fee structure. Unlike many other Texas cities, San Antonio requires a “Double-Track” payment system. You are responsible for local fees to both the City of San Antonio and Bexar County, each typically equal to 50% of the state permit fee. Failing to pay these can result in a $500 fine or the immediate termination of your state license. GFA ensures these payments are processed correctly with the Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector and Metro Health.

2. Distance Measurement & “Alcohol-Free” Zones

San Antonio enforces strict distance requirements: 300 feet from churches and hospitals (measured front-door to front-door) and 1,000 feet from schools (measured property-line to property-line). We provide certified survey maps to verify these distances before you commit to a lease, ensuring you aren’t located in a restricted zone.

3. City Secretary Sign-Off & Zoning

Your San Antonio liquor license application cannot be certified without an updated Certificate of Occupancy (CO) and zoning verification from San Antonio Development Services. We hand-carry your pre-qualification package to the Cliff Morton Development and Business Services Center (the “One Stop”) at 1901 S. Alamo St. to ensure your Certificate of City Secretary is signed without delay.

Comprehensive Permitting & Ongoing Compliance

Since 1944, GFA has been the gold standard for Texas licensing. We provide “all-in-one” support that covers the entire lifecycle of your permit:

• On-Premise Permits: Mixed Beverage Permits (MB) and Wine and Malt Beverage Retailer’s Permits (BG).

• Off-Premise Retail: Streamlined applications for convenience stores and package stores selling malt beverages and wine.

• Wholesaler License: Expert guidance for importers and distributors looking to enter the San Antonio and South Texas markets.

• Surety Bonds: We manage the mandatory conduct surety bonds and performance bonds in-house, ensuring no delays in your TABC filing.

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

San Antonio Specific FAQs

Who do I pay for my local San Antonio liquor fees?

Unlike other cities where you pay one office, San Antonio is split. You must pay the City of San Antonio (handled via Metro Health) and the Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector at the Vista Verde Plaza. GFA handles both of these payments for you to ensure your City Fee Receipt is posted correctly next to your TABC license.

What is the “Bexar County Renewal” schedule?

Bexar County has a tiered renewal system. For a Mixed Beverage Permit (MB), the county fee is actually $0 for the first three years. However, beginning with your 3rd renewal year, the fee becomes due (currently $750). We manage this calendar so you aren’t surprised by unexpected local bills years after opening.

Do I need to go to the Bexar County Courthouse for my license?

While many parts of the application are now digital via AIMS, you still need physical certifications. Our team hand-carries documents to the Bexar County Clerk at 100 Dolorosa St. to obtain the official county seal required for your TABC application.

How does San Antonio measure distance from a school?

For a San Antonio liquor license, the city uses a strict “property-line to property-line” measurement for schools. For churches or hospitals, it is measured “front-door to front-door” along the street fronts. We provide the certified site maps required by the City to prove you are compliant.

What happens if I miss my renewal with Bexar County?

Secure Your San Antonio Business with GFA

Don’t leave your investment to chance. With the Gerald Franklin Agency, 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 guests.

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