The Ultimate Guide To Obtaining A Liquor License

A bar owner’s most significant action is obtaining a liquor license. It cannot be easy to navigate TABC laws and adhere to city requirements.

Liquor licensing differs by state and type of establishment. Generally, the licenses required depend on whether you are planning to sell alcohol to customers at your establishment or serve it to customers offsite.

What Is A Liquor License?

A liquor license is necessary for business owners who want to sell alcohol. This document allows you to serve alcoholic beverages in your establishment legally, and it can be purchased at the state, county, or city level. Liquor license Dallas TX regulations vary from country to country, so it’s essential to research your state’s rules and apply them as early as possible.

Through TABC, you can obtain a license in over 30 different categories. Depending on your business type, you’ll have different needs. For example, a manufacturer must obtain a manufacturing license, while someone distributing alcoholic beverages must get a distributor’s license.

A licensing service provider understands the laws and regulations for each license type, and they can help you navigate the process. They can also ensure that all forms are filled out correctly. It can save you money and avoid the stress of delaying your business opening or canceling a special event while waiting on a license.

How To Apply For A Liquor License

Selling alcohol is one of the most heavily regulated activities that businesses can undertake. Numerous code provisions, rules, ordinances, and requirements must be considered and followed. Where and how you want to sell alcoholic beverages will determine the sort of alcohol license or permit required. The process can be complicated. It involves determining whether your location is wet for the specific TABC license or permits you need, navigating city alcohol regulations, choosing the appropriate tier of alcoholic beverage sales, publication notices, checking for tier violations and requirements to qualify for Safe Harbor Defense, written alcohol policies that need to be adopted, and many other factors.

Planning and starting the application process early is best to ensure your application is approved. The state TABC application process can take 45 to 60 days, and county and city approvals are also required. TABC fees include state and city fees, so it’s essential to research these before starting the process.

How Long Does It Take To Get A License To Sell Alcohol?

In Texas, it can take up to a month and a half from the time your business completes its prequalification packet for a state liquor license to the time you open your doors. During this time, you must complete your location and business packets, publish a notice, create a publisher’s affidavit, and deal with any additional city, county, or state certifications.

It is crucial to remember that the city and county must approve your TABC application before you can even submit it to the state. They are your gatekeepers and will review your business to ensure it wouldn’t cause a nuisance or contradict local zoning laws.

Once the TABC has approved your application, it will issue you a license to sell alcohol within your business. As a license holder, you must obey all local and state laws to remain in good standing. If you break any rules, your license could be revoked.

What Are The Requirements For A Liquor License?

Adding beer, cocktails, and wine to your restaurant’s menu is a lucrative revenue stream that can help increase customers and boost average check sizes. However, before you can start serving alcoholic beverages, your business must meet all local and state requirements. It includes obtaining a liquor license, hiring SmartServe-certified staff, and posting your alcohol sales permit prominently at your company.

There are currently 43 different types of alcohol permits and licenses in Texas, and which one you need depends on how and where you plan to sell alcoholic beverages. For example, a retailer liquor license is required for businesses that sell alcohol for on-premises consumption, like bars and restaurants.

There are also a variety of other regulations like tier violations, publication notices, establishing a legal structure for your business, adopting written alcohol policies, and more. It can be a lot, especially for new business owners. That’s why working with a business law firm when applying for a liquor license can be a good idea.