How to Get a Liquor License in Texas

From small-town bars to high-end lounges in booming cities, the opportunity to serve alcohol in Texas is massive. The Lone Star state ranks as the fourth-largest alcohol market in the U.S., with spirits sales surpassing $7.5 billion. With so much potential available, it’s no wonder entrepreneurs throughout the state are venturing into owning bars, restaurants, or even entering the event scene.

But before you serve that first drink, there’s one important thing to know: if you’re selling alcohol, including it with a service, or even offering it for free at a paid event, you’ll need a liquor license.

Type of alcohol licenses in Texas

Texas doesn’t offer just one standard liquor license—it offers several, depending on your business. The right license (or licenses) you need depends on what you plan to serve, where you’ll serve it, and whether the alcohol is for consumption on-site or off-premises.

Mixed beverage permit (MB)

This is your go-to license if you want to serve every type of alcohol for customers to enjoy on your premises, such as cocktails, wine, and beer. This permit is most common among bars, full-service restaurants, hotels, and nightclubs.

You’ll also need a Food and Beverage Certificate if you’re a restaurant looking to qualify for certain exceptions in cities with alcohol restrictions.

Catering certificate (CB)

Already have a mixed beverage permit? If you’re planning to serve alcohol at weddings, corporate functions, or private events off-site, this certificate also lets you legally bring the drinks to the party. You’ll need to notify the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) before each event.

Beer retailer’s on-premise license (BE)

If you’re only planning to sell beer and not wine or liquor, this is the one to look at. It lets you serve beer on-site, which is great for casual food spots, taquerias, and smaller eateries. It has lower fees than a full mixed beverage license, which can be a budget-friendly entry point for new business owners.

Wine and beer retailer’s permit (BG)

A wine and beer retailer’s permit gives you the flexibility to sell both beer and wine to be consumed on your premises. Examples are cafes, wine bars, bistros, and family-friendly restaurants that don’t want to handle spirits. This license is often the sweet spot for places that want to offer alcohol without the overhead of a full bar.

Brewpub license (BP)

This one is perfect for craft beer enthusiasts looking to brew and sell their own beer in-house. A brewpub license allows you to produce up to 10,000 barrels of beer annually, and you can sell it on-site or to-go. It also lets you sell beer from other brewers alongside your own. So if your dream is to run a full-service restaurant with your signature IPA on tap, this is your lane.

LB (Late hours permit)

Texas has local rules about when alcohol can be served. So, if you plan to keep your doors open past midnight, you may need this permit. It’s only available in cities that allow late-night sales, such as Houston, Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio, and it must be added onto an existing license (like MB or BG). This is especially common for nightclubs or bars located in entertainment districts.

Package store permit (P)

This permit is for full-scale liquor retailers such as traditional liquor stores or specialty alcohol shops. It allows you to sell sealed bottles of spirits, wine, and beer for off-premise consumption only. Customers can browse shelves, pick up high-proof liquors, and take them home. On-site consumption is strictly not allowed.

Keep in mind that these businesses are often subject to local zoning restrictions, including distance requirements from schools, churches, and similar institutions.

Wine and beer retailer’s off-premise permit (BQ)

Compared to a package store permit, this license is more limited in scope and is ideal for places like convenience stores, gas stations, and small grocery stores. A wine and beer retailer’s off-premise permit allows you to sell beer and wine only, spirits not included, and just like the package store permit, everything must be consumed off-site. The product selection usually focuses on convenience (cans, six-packs, and basic wines) rather than high-end or premium liquor. It’s a more accessible option if you’re not running a dedicated alcohol retail shop.

Temporary event permits

If you’re hosting a one-time festival, charity gala, or concert where alcohol will be sold or served, TABC offers temporary licenses that fit those needs. These can be issued to nonprofits or existing license holders, depending on the event type. Applications must be submitted well in advance.

To explore the full catalog of permits and licenses, visit the TABC License and Permit Types page. If you’re still not sure what type of license fits your setup, TABC’s AIMS portal has a guided questionnaire to help you figure it out.

 

 

Steps and information on how to apply for a liquor license

Getting a liquor license in Texas involves more than just filling out a form. There are clear steps involved, and understanding each one can help you avoid delays and get approved faster.

Step 1: Register your business with the state

Before you can serve anything, you’ll want to get your legal structure in place first. That means registering your LLC, corporation, or other entity with the Texas Secretary of State. You’ll also need to apply for a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.

Once you have those, set up your business bank account and secure your commercial location. You can’t apply for a liquor license without an address, so make sure you’ve locked in your space.

Step 2: Check your city or county rules

Texas has strict rules around where you can sell alcohol. For example, four counties — Borden, Kent, Roberts, and Throckmorton — are still completely dry, meaning no alcohol sales are allowed at all, usually due to religion.

Even if your county allows alcohol, local governments can impose strict “spacing” requirements. State law often requires at least 300 feet between your business and any church, school, or public hospital. In certain cases, such as a school district request, it can extend to 1,000 feet.

This means you should check early: confirm whether your town is dry, figure out how far your location is from protected places, and pull local zoning information before signing a lease. That way, you avoid surprises and set yourself up for success.

Step 3: Create your TABC AIMS account and submit your application

Next, head to the Alcohol Industry Management System (AIMS) at tabc.texas.gov/aims and register your business. AIMS is your digital hub for all things TABC. Through it, you’ll be able to submit new applications, upload documents, and manage renewals.

Inside the AIMS portal, you’ll fill out your application and upload key documents. Make sure you have these on hand:

• A government-issued photo ID
• Your business formation paperwork (like your LLC or corporation documents)
• Proof of local approval from your city or county
• A copy of your lease agreement or property deed
• Any necessary zoning or signage permissions from your area

Double-check that all your documents are clear and complete before you upload them. Missing paperwork is one of the top reasons applications get delayed.

As for the cost, it really depends on the type of license you’re applying for and where your business is located. Refer to the table above, as some applications might cost a few hundred dollars, while others, especially for full-service bars or high-traffic areas, can run into the thousands. The good news is, you’ll pay for everything through the AIMS system, so it’s fast and trackable.

Once everything is uploaded and your payment goes through, your application is officially in the system. That’s a big step forward.

Step 4: Schedule a site inspection (if required)

For many licenses, TABC will want to inspect your space. This confirms that your business matches what you stated in your application. Inspectors may check for correct signage, layout, entrances, and more. Be sure your business is clean, compliant, and ready to go.

Step 5: Wait for approval

Once everything is submitted and your site passes inspection, you’ll be in the review queue. Approval can take anywhere from 30 to 35 days. If there are delays, they’re usually tied to missing documents or waiting on local government signoff. Respond to all TABC requests quickly to keep things moving.

How long does a liquor license last in Texas?

Once approved, most Texas liquor licenses are valid for two years. You’ll receive renewal notices in advance through AIMS, and the renewal process is usually much easier than the initial application. Keep in mind that if your business changes ownership or location, you’ll need to notify TABC right away. In many cases, that change may require a new license application altogether.

Ready to serve the Lone Star State?

Getting a liquor license in Texas might feel like a big project, but with the right information and smart tools, you can move through it with clarity and confidence. And once you’re licensed, staying compliant is just as important as getting approved.

This is where a platform like 7shifts can make your life easier. Beyond helping you manage employee schedules, 7shifts offers document storage and team management features that keep your certifications, licenses, and TABC training records all in one place. It can help you stay organized and even set up internal reminders so you know when it’s time to renew staff training or update any paperwork from your staff.