Restaurant, bar, and brewery owners must ensure that they get all the required licensing in order to open on time, operate lawfully, and make their customers happy. The process for Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, or TABC licensing, is detailed and cumbersome. However, there are consultants and professionals who can help business owners to work through the paperwork and requirements to gain licensing more quickly and efficiently.
As business owners begin the research process, they will realize there are many different types of liquor licenses. These are organized by the type of alcohol being sold and served, as well as the type of establishment. In order to better understand liquor licensing, below are examples of the different types of liquor licenses available to business owners.
Beer and Wine Liquor License
This type of license is for establishments that do not serve hard liquor or spirits. For example, hard liquor includes vodka, whiskey, tequila, and brandy. However, liqueurs are typically not considered hard liquor, because they are made from adding sugar or other ingredients to liquor. This type of license would allow businesses to serve only beer and wine.
Restaurant Liquor License
This is typically considered the “standard” liquor license, and is sometimes called the “all-liquor license.” This allows businesses or establishments to sell beer, wine, and liquor, as long as the profits do not exceed more than 40% of total revenue. This license can be affected by the size of the restaurant.
Tavern Liquor License
This type of liquor license is for a business or establishment that offers food but specializes in drinks. Their sales are more than 50% liquor. This type of license is typically more expensive than a standard restaurant license.
Brewpub Liquor License
This type of liquor license is typically required for businesses or establishments who plan to brew their own beer or wine in-house. The requirements may vary state-to-state, so it is important to research your specific location requirements.
A professional liquor licensing consulting service can help business owners to conduct research and apply for the best type of liquor license for their specific business needs.