Prototype Sections:
Houston Austin Dallas-Fort Worth San Antonio El Paso
Trusted By Businesses Across Texas
Our Commitment To Your Business
"For more than 80 years, Gerald Franklin Agency has helped Texas businesses navigate licensing and permitting with confidence. Our mission has always been simple, provide accurate guidance, reliable service, and personal support throughout every step of the process. We understand licensing requirements can be complex and time consuming. Our experienced team manages the details so you can focus on running and growing your business. We appreciate the opportunity to serve you and look forward to supporting your success."
Serving Industry Leaders Statewide
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:
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Unmatched Regulatory Insight: Richard understands the nuances of the TABC code because he helped supervise its enforcement.
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A Proven Track Record: For over 30 years, he has successfully navigated the path from application to approval for thousands of Texas businesses.
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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.
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 handle 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
Documentation Gathering
We prepare all required paperwork, including Personal History Sheets and Measurement Information.
State & Local Filing
We submit applications to the TABC, the city and county (when needed) and the State Comptroller.
Inspection Preparation
We guide you through the TABC interview and premises inspection.
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.