Texas Liquor License: The Complete 2026 Guide to TABC Requirements
Obtaining a Texas liquor license is the most critical hurdle for any hospitality or retail business. In the State of Texas, “liquor license” is the common term for what the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) officially classifies as a permit or license. Navigating the 67 different types of authorizations requires more than just filling out forms—it requires a strategic partner.
At Gerald Franklin Agency (GFA), we provide the “Inside Track.” Led by former TABC Regional Supervisors and on-staff attorneys, we handle the entire licensing lifecycle. From the initial AIMS portal onboarding to defending your business against protests and violations, GFA ensures your establishment opens on time and stays compliant in the ever-evolving Texas regulatory environment.
Understanding the three tiers of Texas liquor licenses
Texas follows a strict “Three-Tier System” of alcohol regulation. You must apply for a license or permit within a specific tier, and generally, you cannot hold an interest in more than one tier.
- Manufacturing Tier: Distilleries (D), Wineries (G), and Breweries (BW).
- Wholesale/Distribution Tier: Wholesalers (W) and General Class B Wholesaler’s Permits (X).
- Retail Tier: This is where bars, restaurants, and stores operate. Key permits include:
- Mixed Beverage Permit (MB): The standard “Full Bar” license for spirits, wine, and beer.
- Wine and Malt Beverage Retailer’s Permit (BG): For on-premise beer and wine sales.
- Package Store Permit (P): For retail liquor stores (Off-Premise).
Trusted By Businesses Across Texas
Who is eligible for a Texas liquor license?
The TABC maintains strict eligibility standards. Before investing in a location, we ensure our clients meet the following “Good Moral Character” criteria:
- Age Requirement: All applicants and key officers must be at least 21 years old.
- Criminal History: You may be ineligible if you have a felony conviction within the last 5 years or an alcohol-related code violation within the last 2 years.
- No Tax Debt: You must demonstrate that you have no outstanding state or federal tax liabilities.
- Moral Turpitude: Any violation involving fraud, theft, or unethical behavior within the last 6 months is an automatic disqualifier.
The 2026 application process: navigating the AIMS portal
As of 2026, all applications must be managed through the Alcohol Industry Management System (AIMS). While paper forms (like the old L-ON and L-OFF) are technically accepted, they are significantly slower. GFA fast-tracks your application using our specialized AIMS agency dashboard.
On-premise vs. off-premise applications
- On-Premise (Bars/Restaurants): Requires Local Regulatory Certification (L-CERT) from your City Secretary and County Clerk to verify the area is “Wet.”
- Off-Premise (Liquor Stores/C-Stores): Requires a Publisher’s Affidavit—proof that you published a notice of your intent to sell alcohol in your local newspaper.
Temporary permits for fairs and festivals
Planning a one-time event? GFA manages Nonprofit Entity Temporary Event Permits (NT) and File and Use Notifications (FUN). We submit these at least 10 business days before your event to ensure you avoid the state’s mandatory late fees.
The mandatory 2026 TABC compliance report
A Warning to Existing License Holders: If your primary license was issued in 2024 or earlier, you must complete the 2026 Compliance Report (Self-Inspection) by June 30, 2026.
This digital report requires live photo evidence of your signage, permit displays, and premises layout. GFA provides Compliance Audits to ensure your establishment is ready for this digital inspection, protecting you from surprise field enforcement visits.
Liquor license renewals: protecting your livelihood
A Texas liquor license is valid for two years. The renewal window opens 30 days before expiration. If you miss this window, you must stop all alcohol sales immediately.
Why Use GFA for Renewals?
- 24/7 Support: We are your dedicated compliance hotline for any TABC-related questions.
- Multi-Agency Management: We manage your city, county, and state renewals simultaneously.
- Late Fee Prevention: We ensure your AIMS filing and local tax payments are submitted before the deadline, preventing the TABC’s $300-$900 late fee penalties.
Frequently asked questions about Texas liquor licenses
How much does a liquor license cost in Texas?
State fees range from $500 for a Winery to over $5,300 for an original Mixed Beverage Permit. Additionally, you must factor in local city/county fees and the cost of Conduct Surety Bonds.
How long does the TABC approval process take?
With a complete and error-free application, AIMS processing typically takes 35 to 50 days. However, local certification and 60-day signage requirements can push the total timeline to 90 days.
Can I get a liquor license for a mobile bar or food truck?
In Texas, permits are only issued to a permanent physical address that has been certified by local authorities. Mobile operations generally require a “Catering” authorization attached to a permanent licensed location.
Take the “Daunting” out of the licensing process
Don’t leave your business’s success to chance. Put the experience of a former TABC Regional Supervisor to work for you. Gerald Franklin Agency is your comprehensive Texas liquor license service.
Contact us today to complete and process the correct application for your business. We do the work, so you can start the pour.