How Much is a Liquor License in Texas? 2024 Guide

Written By Lydia Martin
March 14, 2024

Based on the liquor laws, Texas requires a liquor license to serve alcohol within the state. But one of the most asked questions includes, “How much is a liquor license in Texas?”

There’s no straightforward answer with many liquor licenses and factors influencing the price, like local laws, federal registration requirements, location, etc.

So if transporting alcohol or serving alcohol is your line of business, let us explain more about the liquor license fees, the liquor license application process, and everything you need to know.

Table of Contents

13 Types of Liquor Licenses In Texas & Their Costs

1. Mixed Beverage Permit (MB)

This permit allows businesses to sell alcoholic beverages for on-premise consumption, and the cost varies based on the type: renewal of an existing license or application for a new license.

“Prohibition is better than no liquor at all.” -Will Rogers, American Vaudeville Performer

For renewal, the fee is around $2,650
For the original, the fee is around $5,300

2. Brewer’s Permit (B)

The Brewer’s license cost in Texas is around $3,000 for an original application, depending on the number of barrels produced. With this alcohol permit, you’re allowed to:

Produce malt liquor
Transport alcoholic beverages in and out of the state
Sell malt liquor for off or on-premises consumption

3. Wine Bottler’s Permit (Z)

This permit enables the manufacturing, bottling, and selling of wine. The initial liquor license application process costs around $350. You can store and sell wine and even hold events, too.

Besides, a Z permit holder can alter the bottle labels and packaging before selling it.

4. Wine & Beer Retailer’s Permit (BG)

This Texas liquor license allows businesses to sell wine and beer. As per the Texas alcoholic beverage code [1], it costs around $1900.

Furthermore, selling beer is open, as well as wine, but it should not be more than 14 to 17% ABV. Consumption within the business’s premises requires seats.

5. Importer’s License (BI)

If you want to source beer outside Texas, you’ll need this license. This liquor license costs around $40. You can also sell beer within the state.

6. Retail Dealer’s On-Premise License (BE)

If you want to sell mixed drinks for on-premise consumption, you need the BE License, costing around $1,100.

Furthermore, it includes a temporary permit, where you can hold events out of the BE zoning restrictions but subject to approval.

7. Wine & Beer Retailer Permit – Excursion Boat (V)

Excursion boats selling wine and beer are required with the V liquor license. This Texas liquor license cost/fee amounts to approximately $350.

While you can sell beer and wine, the ABV should only be between 14 to 17% and must be consumed immediately.

8. General Distributor’s License (BB)

This license allows businesses to distribute alcoholic beverages in Texas.

The cost is around $3,500 for an original application. This liquor license allows you to sell alcoholic drinks to a beer retailer, distributor, and even private clubs.

9. Manufacturer’s License (BA)

For manufacturers producing alcoholic beverages like beer and liquor, the BA License is required, with fees of around $3,500, which may vary based on the type of alcohol produced.

For maximum local fees, we suggest checking with the local TABC office.

10. Retail Dealer’s Off-Premise License (BF)

For businesses selling any alcoholic beverage for off-premise consumption, the BF license is required, costing around $1,100.

As per the alcohol code, Grandfather BF’s within the beer-only areas can sell malt liquors not more than 5% ABV.

11. Wine-Only Package Store Permit (Q)

The Q Texas liquor license costs around $1,600, which permits the sale of wine and malt beverages for off-premise consumption. Besides, a Q permit holder can do the following:

move inventory between licensed locations in the same county
deliver orders to customers (with limitations)
conduct product tastings on the premises

12. Winery permit (G)

If you want to operate a winery in Texas, the Winery Permit costs around $3,000, one of the priciest compared to other Texas liquor licenses.

You can produce wine, transport alcohol, sell wine on and off-premises consumption, make deliveries, and hold wine events.

13. Wholesaler’s permit (W)

Wholesaler’s Permit expenses are relatively costly, around $4,000. Within the Texas alcoholic beverage industry, it grants permission for the following:

Alcohol sales (spirits and distilled wine)
Import and transport from the purchase location to the licensee’s business or sale/distribution point
Product storage

Texas Liquor License Amount Cheat Sheet (TABLE)

License Type	Amount
MB – Mixed Beverage Permit	$5300
B – Brewer’s Permit	$3000
Z – Wine Bottler’s Permit	$350
BG – Wine and Beer Retailer’s Permit	$1900
BI – Importer’s License	$40
BE – Retail Dealer’s On-Premise License	$1100
V – Wine and Beer Retailer’s Permit – Excursion Boat	$350
BB – General Distributor’s License	$3500
BA – Manufacturer’s License	$3500
BF – Retail Dealer’s Off-Premise License	$1100
Q – Wine-Only Package Store Permit	$1600
Winery permit (G)	$3000
Wholesaler’s permit (W)	$4000

Note: Fees and costs mentioned are based on information available and are subject to change. Please verify with the TABC for the most current information.

Understanding The Texas Liquor License Requirements & Laws

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) oversees all aspects of the alcohol industry management system covering advertising, manufacturing, sales, taxation, and transportation.

To obtain Texas liquor licenses, you must meet specific requirements, including:

Age must be 21 years old and above
Displays good moral character
No recent violation, felony, or tax debt

“Raise your spirits responsibly, for a liquor license is your gateway to a world of legal libation.” – Liquor Laboratory

Local rules and ordinances may also apply, necessitating additional research and communication with the city clerk’s office to clarify the licensing process.

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How Do You Register For A Liquor Store?

To register for a liquor license, be it a beer license, a one-day liquor license, or two or more licenses, here’s what you need to consider:

Finish the AIMS onboarding. We recommend taking up the TABC licensing courses [2] for an ultimate guide throughout the process.
Decide on your preferred industry level
Form and register your liquor store business
Obtain the required signs
Complete the remaining AIMS steps
Submit your application
Get updated with online status alerts or notifications through the AIMS [3] dashboard and email

FAQs Related to How Much is a Liquor License in Texas?

Is it easy to get a liquor license in Texas?

It’s not easy to get a liquor license in Texas due to various requirements and regulations set by TABC.
You must meet age criteria, demonstrate good moral character, and have no recent violations or felonies. The process may require thorough documentation and compliance.

How long does it take to get a liquor license in Texas?

How long it takes to obtain a liquor license in Texas depends on factors such as the license type, the application’s completeness, and local regulations.
On average, it may take 30-90 days to complete the process, including application submission, background checks, and administrative review [4].

What do you need to get a license to sell alcohol in Texas?

To get liquor licenses in Texas, you need to submit all the requirements and pay for the Texas liquor license cost, according to the license you need.

How much does a restaurant liquor license typically cost in Texas?

The cost of a restaurant liquor license in Texas can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the location and seating capacity of the establishment.

Do liquor license fees vary depending on the county or city in Texas?

Yes, liquor license fees can vary significantly depending on the county or city where the establishment is located. Each jurisdiction may have its fee structure and requirements.

Are there additional costs associated with obtaining a liquor license in Texas?

In addition to the initial license fee, there may be other expenses such as application fees, background checks, fingerprinting costs, and fees for required training programs.

Are liquor license fees renewed annually in Texas?

Yes, liquor license fees in Texas typically need to be renewed annually, and the renewal fee may vary from the initial application fee.

On A Final Note

Acquiring liquor licenses in Texas involves meeting the regulations set by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC). The process can be complex and time-consuming, which requires compliance with tax obligations and submission of the necessary documentation and fees.

In Texas, the liquor license cost depends on the type of permit needed, ranging from $40 to $5300. Also, local rules and ordinances may add further requirements and fees.

Despite these challenges, obtaining a liquor license opens the door to legally selling alcohol in Texas. With careful preparation and adherence to the guidelines, you can start a successful venture in the alcoholic beverage industry.

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