
The cost of an alcoholic license in Houston, Texas, depends on various factors, including the type of license, local ordinances, zoning restrictions, and fees. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) regulates the alcoholic beverage industry in the state, and the cost of a license can vary depending on the specific requirements and type of permit. For example, permits for selling beer and wine typically range from $1,100 to $1,900, while distilled spirits permits can cost upwards of $5,300. Additionally, the City of Houston imposes specific restrictions, such as a 1,000-foot alcohol-free zone around public schools. The cost of an alcoholic license in Houston, Texas, can be influenced by multiple factors, and interested parties should refer to the TABC website and local regulations for detailed information.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Regulatory entity | Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) |
| TABC responsibilities | Advertising, importation, manufacturing, sales, taxation, and transportation |
| TABC license requirement | Any business that sells, serves, or manufactures alcoholic beverages |
| License type | Depends on the type of business and whether alcoholic beverages are consumed on or off the premises |
| License cost | Depends on the type of license and permit; can start from $25 and go up to $17,451 |
| Additional costs | Application and processing fees, renewal fees, city and county fees, cost of publishing legal notices, and bond fees |
| Secondary permits | Food and beverage certificate, late hours certificate, and brewpub license |
| Food and beverage certificate requirement | Offer multiple entrees when selling alcohol, have a commercial kitchen, and ensure alcohol sales do not exceed 60% of total sales |
| Brewpub license cost | $1,100 |
| Catering permit | Not required for a temporary event like catering a wedding, but approval is needed for public events |
| Application process | Decide on the license type, check eligibility, gather forms, complete TABC certification, and apply through TABC's Alcohol Industry Management System (AIMS) |
| Additional requirements | More documentation, background checks, or certifications may be required depending on the license type |
| Houston-specific requirement | 1,000-foot alcohol-free zone around public schools |
| Administrative fee | $33.10 to be collected at the time of application for any license, permit, or service for which the fee is greater than $50.00 |
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What You'll Learn
- The cost of a liquor license in Houston, Texas varies depending on the type of license or permit
- The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) regulates the liquor licensing process
- There are several types of liquor licenses in Texas, with prices ranging from $25 to $17,451
- Businesses must renew most TABC licenses every two years and pay associated fees
- Additional costs include state fees, local fees, legal notice publication costs, and bond fees

The cost of a liquor license in Houston, Texas varies depending on the type of license or permit
There are several types of liquor licenses in Texas, and the price of each license is determined by multiple factors, such as the location of the business, local laws, and zoning restrictions. For example, permits for selling beer and wine typically start at $1,100 and go up to $1,900, while distilled spirits permits can cost upwards of $5,300. A wine and beer retailer license to sell malt liquor, ale, wine, and beer containing less than 14% alcohol costs $350. A mixed beverage sales license, which allows the sale of mixed beverages in an open container and the consumption of ale, malt liquor, wine, and beer on the premises, costs $6,000. The most expensive liquor license is $17,451 for a manufacturer's license, which is for a person with more than five business establishments.
In addition to the primary liquor license, there may be a need for secondary permits, such as a food and beverage certificate, late-hours certificate, and brewpub license, which costs $1,100. The City of Houston also imposes certain restrictions, such as a 1,000-foot alcohol-free zone around public schools. There is also an administrative fee of $33.10 that is collected at the time of application for any license, permit, or service for which the fee is greater than $50.00.
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The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) regulates the liquor licensing process
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) is the regulatory entity for all aspects of the alcoholic beverage industry in the state. The TABC regulates and licenses businesses that sell or serve alcoholic beverages in Texas. The TABC's responsibilities include advertising, importation, manufacturing, sales, taxation, and transportation.
To obtain a liquor license in Texas, you must meet certain requirements. For example, you must not have violated the Alcoholic Beverage Code in the past six months by any act involving "moral turpitude", violated the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code within the past two years, or been convicted of a felony within the past five years.
There are three tiers of liquor licenses in Texas: manufacturing, distribution/wholesale, and retail. The cost of a liquor license depends on various factors, including business location, local laws, bond requirements, and the TABC license and permit fees chart. For instance, manufacturing prices range from $500 to $3,000, distribution from $3,500 to $4,000, and retail from $0 to $5,300. Some licenses and permits can cost as much as $10,000, and a bond can range from $5,000 to $30,000.
In addition to the primary liquor license, there may be costs associated with secondary permits, such as a food and beverage certificate, late hours certificate, and brewpub license. The food and beverage certificate is often required as part of a primary permit and mandates offering multiple entrees when selling alcohol and either having a commercial kitchen or ensuring alcohol sales do not exceed 60% of total sales. The brewpub license costs $1,100 and can be added to specific permits, allowing the holder to engage in brewery-like activities.
The TABC's Licensing Division assists customers with all their licensing needs, processing close to 100,000 licenses and permits annually. The Alcohol Industry Management System (AIMS) is a platform for conducting TABC tasks, including applying for, renewing, or updating licenses. Local TABC offices can also guide applicants through the licensing process.
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There are several types of liquor licenses in Texas, with prices ranging from $25 to $17,451
Texas has a wide range of liquor license fees, with the lowest being $25 for a temporary auction license and the highest being $17,451 for a manufacturer's license for a person with more than five business establishments. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) regulates the alcoholic beverage industry in the state, and the cost of a liquor license depends on various factors such as the type of license, location, and local laws.
For example, permits for selling beer and wine typically start at $1,100 and go up to $1,900, while distilled spirits permits can cost upwards of $5,300. A wine and beer retailer license to sell malt liquor, ale, wine, and beer containing less than 14% alcohol costs $350. If you want to import beer from another state, you will need to pay $40 for an importer's license. A mixed beverage sales license, which allows the sale of mixed beverages in an open container and the consumption of ale, malt liquor, wine, and beer on the premises, costs $6,000. A wine and beer retailer excursion boat permit for selling wine and beer less than 14% alcohol on boats for on-site consumption is $260.
There are also various other permits that may be required, such as a food and beverage certificate, late-hours certificate, and brewpub license, which costs $1,100. The food and beverage certificate is often required as part of a primary permit and mandates offering multiple entrees when selling alcohol and either having a commercial kitchen or ensuring alcohol sales do not exceed 60% of total sales.
It is important to note that the TABC may require additional documentation, background checks, or certifications depending on the specific license or permit applied for, and there may be local ordinances, zoning restrictions, and certificate of occupancy requirements that must be adhered to.
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Businesses must renew most TABC licenses every two years and pay associated fees
The cost of an alcoholic beverage license in Houston, Texas, depends on the type of license or permit that a business needs. There are several types of liquor licenses in Texas, and the price of each license is determined by factors such as the location of the business, local laws, and zoning restrictions. For example, permits for selling beer and wine typically start at $1,100 and go up to $1,900, while distilled spirits permits can cost upwards of $5,300. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) is responsible for regulating and licensing businesses that sell or serve alcoholic beverages in the state.
The brewpub license costs $1,100 and can be added to a mixed beverage permit or a wine and malt beverage retailer's permit, allowing the holder to engage in brewery-like activities. It is important to note that catering or a "temporary event," as referred to by the TABC, is authorized by the primary permit, and a separate secondary permit is no longer required for catering in Texas. However, it is necessary to notify the TABC before private events and obtain approval for public events.
The range of prices for TABC licenses and permits makes it crucial for businesses to understand what type of license they need before beginning the application process. The TABC website provides the latest fee schedule for specific liquor license costs. Additionally, local TABC offices can advise businesses on how to initiate the application process and help determine the best license type for their specific needs.
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Additional costs include state fees, local fees, legal notice publication costs, and bond fees
When applying for an alcoholic beverage license in Houston, Texas, there are several costs to consider beyond the initial state fee. These additional costs include local fees, legal notice publication costs, and bond fees.
Local Fees
Local fees are charged by cities and counties for processing alcoholic beverage permit or license applications. These fees are limited by Texas law and typically range from $5 to $100. Some jurisdictions may also require additional items, such as an "alcohol measurement survey," which can cost around $300.
Legal Notice Publication Costs
Texas law mandates that applicants for an alcoholic beverage license must publish a specific legal notice in a locally circulated newspaper in the city or town where the establishment will be located. The cost of publishing this legal notice can range from $200 to $300 and is typically based on the length of the notice.
Bond Fees
If you are selling alcohol for on-premises consumption, you will need to obtain conduct surety bonds and performance bonds as mandated by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC). The cost of these bonds can range from $300 to $400, depending on the bond amount and your creditworthiness. Additionally, mixed beverage tax bonds may be required by the Texas Comptroller for mixed beverage permit holders to ensure the payment of taxes. These bonds typically cost a few hundred dollars.
It is important for entrepreneurs and business owners to understand and budget for these additional costs when applying for an alcoholic beverage license in Houston, Texas. By carefully planning and considering all the associated expenses, they can effectively manage their finances and increase their chances of success in the regulated alcoholic beverage industry.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of a liquor license in Houston, Texas, depends on the type of license and permit you require. For example, permits for selling beer and wine typically start at $1,100 and can go up to $1,900, whereas distilled spirits permits can cost upwards of $5,300.
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) is responsible for regulating the alcoholic beverage industry in Texas. The TABC website provides information on the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code and Rules, as well as specific rules related to Tax Collector Billings for beer, wine, and liquor licenses.
Yes, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commissioner may require additional documentation, background checks, or certifications depending on the type of license or permit applied for. It is important to check the specific requirements on the TABC website to ensure a smooth review process.
The Winery Permit license is required for the manufacture of wine. It authorizes the transportation of alcoholic beverages from the place of purchase to the licensee's business.
Yes, counties and cities may have additional local ordinances, zoning restrictions, fees, and standards for late-night activities. For example, the City of Houston has imposed a 1,000-foot alcohol-free zone around public schools. It is recommended to contact the City Clerk's office for clarification on specific liquor license requirements.











































