Your Temporary Event Approval must cover the entire time alcohol is physically on-site, including setup and teardown.
One of the most common mistakes permit holders make when applying for a Temporary Event Approval (TEA) is looking only at the invitation. If the wedding starts at 6:00 PM and ends at 11:00 PM, you might be tempted to put those exact hours on your application.
Doing so could put you in violation of TABC rules.
The TABC requires that your approval covers the entire time alcohol is on-site, not just the hours guests are drinking. Here is how to calculate your "event window" correctly to avoid fines.
1. The "Event" Begins Before the Guests Arrive
When you submit your TEA request, you are defining the period during which it is legal for you to possess and store alcohol at that specific off-site location.
Therefore, your request must account for logistics.
Setup: If you plan to drop off inventory at noon for a 6:00 PM event, your permitted time must start at noon.
Teardown: If you need time to pack up, clean the bar, and load the truck, that time must be included.
⚠️ Compliance Alert:
Don’t forget to include time for set up and take down. If a TABC agent inspects the venue while you are setting up, and your permit time hasn't started yet, you are technically in possession of illicit alcohol at an unpermitted location.
2. The "Storage Time" Rule
In many cases—especially for large festivals or multi-day weddings—you may need to leave alcohol at the venue overnight or drop it off days in advance.
The rule is simple but strict: If you need to store your alcohol at the off-site location before or after the event, that time period should be included in your event request.
Examples of "Storage" You Must Permit:
Dropping off kegs on Friday for a Saturday wedding.
Leaving unconsumed cases of wine at the venue to be picked up Monday morning.
Storing liquor in a secured room at a festival site overnight between event days.
3. Compliance Never Sleeps
It is important to remember that during this entire window—setup, service, storage, and teardown—all TABC compliance rules still apply.
Even if the bar is closed and you are just cleaning up, you cannot sell to intoxicated people, serve minors, or violate other core regulations. The "active" status of your permit means the "active" enforcement of the law.
Don't Let Logistics Create Liability
Logistics are hard enough without worrying about whether your permit covers your load-in time. We help Dallas bars and restaurants structure their Temporary Event Approvals to cover the full reality of their operations—from the first drop-off to the final pickup.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. TABC regulations are subject to change.
