Updated June 9, 2022
As a busy business owner, it can be easy to forget that your Texas liquor license or permit must be renewed with the state every two years. In years past, the Texas Alcoholic and Beverage Commission (TABC) would mail you a friendly postcard reminder to your address on file with your “renew by” date. Today, everything has moved online!
We now have the new Alcohol Industry Management System (or “AIMS”) where you can do all things TABC licensing (well, as soon as they get the system fully functional).
You may get an email reminder about your renewal. But like the old postcard, don’t rely on it! It is critically important that you renew on time, and it’s the permit holders’ responsibility to stay on top of the process. If you don’t, your permit (aka liquor license) will be canceled. Here is some basic information to keep in mind as you get ready to complete a Texas liquor license renewal application.
WHEN DO I RENEW MY TEXAS LIQUOR LICENSE?
First things first – figure out when your current permit expires. Not sure? Look at your liquor license that should be posted in clear view of the public at your premises, or the location that is licensed for the sale of alcohol.
Did your liquor license mysteriously disappear? Whoops. Log in to AIMS at your first opportunity and print out another. Your permit is one of several items that should be posted at your location! This is one of many things that a TABC agent will check when they inspect your premises, so make sure you get it back up as soon as possible.
Renewals must be submitted before the expiration date of the liquor license or permit. We recommend submitting your liquor license renewal application 15 to 30 days prior to your expiration date. Don’t worry, you won’t lose any time on the existing permit.
If you fail to submit your renewal application by the renewal date, your license or permit will expire, and you will be required to cease operations immediately. If this happens, you may still submit your renewal for up to 30 days after the expiration date as long as you pay the late fee described below. It’s always best to renew online, especially if the renewal date is coming up soon.
For any renewals filed after the expiration date, the TABC will charge a $100 late fee for each permit or license, in addition to the usual fees and surcharges. For example, if you are renewing a Mixed Beverage Permit, Food and Beverage Certificate, and Mixed Beverage Late Hours Permit, the late fee is $300.
WHAT INFORMATION IS NEEDED FOR A RENEWAL?
TABC’s AIMS will walk you through the renewal process, but it will go more smoothly if you do a little checking and gather a bit of information before you log on.
First, make sure you have the following information at hand for your specific liquor license:
Trade name
Ownership information
Mailing and location addresses
Contact information of the best person to talk to the TABC
License or permit number and issue date
Bond information (if applicable)
Last 12 months of sales data (i.e., alcohol sales, food sales, other sales, and total sales)
Then, make sure you check with your ownership and management to confirm there aren’t any changes or any reasons that prohibit them from continuing to be on the permit.
As you collect this information, if you identify any item other than the mailing address or phone number that has changed, stop! There are likely steps you will need to take before you can renew online. Contact the TABC or you can reach out to us to walk you through the process. You may need to complete and submit hard copy TABC forms detailing the changes.
What’s this about a bond?
Certain retail establishments may need a Conduct Surety Bond or Performance Bond. Conduct Surety Bonds are required by retailers without a Food and Beverage Certificate. This requirement often gets dropped if you make it three years without any violations.
If you are located in Bexar, Harris, Dallas, or Tarrant county, you may also need a Performance Bond if you hold a Beer Retailer’s On-Premise License or a Wine and Beer Retailer’s Permit but do not have a Food and Beverage Certificate. [For more information on bond requirements, visit the TABC website or contact your local TABC office.
How much does a Texas liquor license renewal cost?
One more step in preparing for your renewal is to plan for the fee.
License and permit holders are required to pay fees, which are set by the TABC and listed on the TABC fee chart. When permit holders log in for the online renewal, the amounts due should be already listed.
If you have a Mixed Beverage Permit and this is your first renewal, we have great news – the cost of your permit fee has gone down from when you initially got your permit. For long-established businesses, know that the fee structures completely changed in September 2021. Double check the TABC fee chart before you get started.
Please note, additional fees may be assessed by your city or county. Some cities and counties call them a tax on the invoice they send you. As a Texas liquor license or permit holder, it is your responsibility to make sure these fees get paid. Failure to pay fees due to the city or county may result in administrative action against your license or permit by the Commission.
That’s it! By doing a little work up front, your Texas liquor license renewal will be so much easier. Still have questions? We’re here to help. We provide one on one services through the law firm Martin Powers & Counsel. You can send us a message here or book a call directly with Ashley.
Disclaimer: Nothing in our articles or on our website is legal advice and should not be taken as such. Please address all legal questions to your counsel.
