How to get a TABC beer and wine permit for a Texas convenience store

Which TABC permit does a store need?

TABC issues different licenses and permits depending on what you sell and whether customers drink on site. For a store selling sealed products to take home, the usual choice is BQ or BF; the other common types are listed for comparison:

Cities and counties can add their own fee on top. Houston's local fee for a BQ permit is $30. Some locations also need a surety bond or a newspaper notice, which add cost.

Before you apply: check the location

Most refusals start with the address, not the paperwork. Check three things before you spend money:

• Wet or dry. The precinct, city or county must allow your permit type. Texas still has dry and partly dry areas, and the line can run between two neighboring addresses.
• Inside or outside city limits. This decides who signs the local part of the application and which local fees apply.
• Distance rules. Cities can restrict alcohol sales near schools, churches and hospitals. Check before signing a lease.

The steps

1. Sales tax permit. TABC requires it. If the store is new, file it first or together with the TABC paperwork. See the sales tax permit guide.
2. Owner questionnaire and Personal History Sheet. Owners new to TABC complete a personal history sheet and sign it before a notary.
3. Comptroller certification. The L-CERT (Required Certifications) form goes to the Comptroller first, which certifies that the business is in good standing for state taxes.
4. City and county sign-off. The same L-CERT goes to the city secretary (inside city limits) and the county clerk. They have up to 30 days to sign. Houston and many other cities ask for the certificate of occupancy at this step.
5. Bond, sign or newspaper notice, if required. Some applicants need a conduct surety bond. On-premises permits post a 60-day sign at the location. Some permit types need a newspaper notice.
6. AIMS account. An owner creates the account in the Alcohol Industry Management System (AIMS), TABC's online portal, and can give a filer access.
7. Submit and pay. Upload the signed certifications and documents, pay the state fee and answer TABC's questions. TABC gives applicants 10 business days to respond to a deficiency notice; missing that deadline can cost the application.
8. Permit issued. Pay the city and county fees, post the permit and train staff. TABC seller-server certification is strongly recommended for everyone who rings up alcohol.

How long it takes

Budget about 2 to 3 months: up to 30 days for the local sign-offs, then about 30 to 60 days of TABC review. On-premises permits that need the 60-day sign take longer. The most common delays are a missing certificate of occupancy, an owner who has not signed the personal history sheet, and slow answers to TABC's deficiency notices.

Renewal

TABC permits run for two years. You can renew starting 30 days before expiry, and up to 30 days late with a $100 late fee. After that the permit expires and you start over with a new application. A renewal can also be held up if the business owes state taxes, so keep sales tax returns current.

Changing owners

A TABC permit is tied to the permit holder. A new owner of a store applies for a new permit; it does not come with the building. Some changes inside an existing company, like a new officer, are filed as changes instead. Ask before you close on a purchase.