Getting a Liquor License for Your Restaurant

When customers come to a restaurant they are naturally looking for a good meal. Atmosphere and service also play a role in a fine dining experience. There is another part of the restaurant experience that many customers consider essential. A tasty cocktail while waiting for a table, a drink with dinner or an after-meal brandy take dining to a different level. In Texas, as in other states, serving alcohol requires a permit.

Types of Alcohol Permits

When researching how to get an alcohol permit in Dallas TX, the first thing you will discover is that there is more than one type. Depending upon the type of establishment you own and what you plan to serve, you will need a different permit.

There are permits that will allow you to serve wine and beer  To serve cocktails requires a mixed beverage permit. This type of license covers liquor, wine and malt beverages. A restaurant needs a food and beverage certificate along with the mixed beverage permit. If you brew your own beer to serve to customers you will need a brewpub certificate.

Liquor License Requirements

Alcohol permit rules are called the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code (TABC).  The code contains all state regulations pertaining to producing, selling or serving any kind of alcholic beverage. To get a permit, a person must be at least 21 years of age, of good moral conduct and a law-abiding citizen. An application must be filled out and there is a fee. It generally takes between 45 and 60 days to receive a liquor license after approval. Some types of permits may take a bit longer.

Some municipalities may have laws that limit how close your establishment can be to a church or school. A permit is issued to one person and is not transferable. It can be transferred to a different location with the approval of the TABC.

Advantages of Serving Alcohol

There are benefits to serving alcoholic beverages in a restaurant. The first is that it is profitable. It is common for restaurant alcohol sales to make up 20% of the total. That is a big chunk of profit. Drinks can be mixed and poured much more quickly than food can be prepared. Serving tasty drinks, particularly specialties, can boost a restaurant’s reputation and increase the number of regular customers.

Most successful restaurants serve alcohol of some kind. In the state of Texas, you need the proper type of alcohol permit for your establishment and what it serves.