Opening or managing a bar, restaurant, or liquor store in Texas requires more than just a great business plan—it also requires a valid liquor license. Texas has a strict regulatory system that governs the sale, distribution, and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Depending on the type of business, the type of alcohol being sold, and whether it’s consumed on-site or off-site, liquor license costs can vary significantly.
A liquor license in Texas is issued by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), and fees range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand annually. Business owners need to understand not only the upfront costs but also the renewal fees, application requirements, and additional costs that may apply depending on location or type of establishment.
In this article, we will cover the top 20 liquor license costs in Texas, breaking down the description, pricing, contact details, and services associated with each type. This guide provides a comprehensive look at the costs involved so that entrepreneurs can make informed decisions before venturing into the alcohol service industry.
Top 20 Cost of a Liquor License in Texas
Below are the top 20 types of liquor licenses available in Texas, with details about pricing, descriptions, and requirements for each.
1. Mixed Beverage Permit (MB)
Description:
The Mixed Beverage Permit is the most common type of liquor license in Texas, allowing restaurants, bars, hotels, and clubs to sell mixed drinks, beer, and wine for on-premise consumption. This license is essential for establishments that serve cocktails and other mixed beverages.
Pricing:
-
Initial Application Fee: Around $6,000
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Renewal Fee: Varies, typically $3,000 to $6,000 annually depending on gross sales
Address & Contact:
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Austin, TX.
Phone: (512) 206-3333
Services Offered:
Authorization to sell liquor, wine, and beer by the glass for consumption on the licensed premises.
2. Mixed Beverage Restaurant Permit (MBR)
Description:
This permit is designed specifically for restaurants that wish to sell liquor, wine, and beer with food service. It requires that the establishment derive at least 51% of its revenue from food sales rather than alcohol.
Pricing:
-
Application Fee: $3,000 to $5,000
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Renewal Fee: $2,500 to $4,500 annually
Address & Contact:
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Austin, TX.
Phone: (512) 206-3333
Services Offered:
Permission to serve mixed drinks and alcoholic beverages only when paired with a food-focused business model.
3. Private Club Registration Permit (N)
Description:
This license is required for private clubs, such as country clubs, membership-based venues, or fraternal organizations, where alcoholic beverages are served only to members and their guests.
Pricing:
-
Application Fee: Approximately $1,000
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Renewal Fee: Around $800 to $1,200 annually
Address & Contact:
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Austin, TX.
Phone: (512) 206-3333
Services Offered:
Allows a private club to store and serve alcoholic beverages for its members.
4. Retail Dealer’s On-Premise License (BE)
Description:
The BE license allows a business to sell beer for consumption on the premises but does not permit the sale of wine or liquor. It is common for smaller bars or beer-only establishments.
Pricing:
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Application Fee: $500 to $1,000
-
Renewal Fee: Around $500 annually
Address & Contact:
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Austin, TX.
Phone: (512) 206-3333
Services Offered:
Grants the right to sell beer for on-site drinking within the business premises.
5. Retail Dealer’s Off-Premise License (BF)
Description:
This license permits the sale of beer for off-site consumption only. It is typically required by convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores that sell packaged beer.
Pricing:
-
Application Fee: $500 to $900
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Renewal Fee: $500 annually
Address & Contact:
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Austin, TX.
Phone: (512) 206-3333
Services Offered:
Permission to sell sealed beer products for takeaway consumption.
6. Wine and Beer Retailer’s Permit (BG)
Description:
The BG permit is designed for businesses such as restaurants, cafes, or bars that serve wine and beer for on-premise consumption. This license does not allow the sale of distilled spirits.
Pricing:
-
Application Fee: $1,000 to $1,500
-
Renewal Fee: $1,000 to $1,200 annually
Address & Contact:
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Austin, TX.
Phone: (512) 206-3333
Services Offered:
Enables establishments to sell wine and beer by the glass or bottle for on-site consumption.
7. Wine and Beer Retailer’s Off-Premise Permit (BQ)
Description:
This permit allows businesses such as supermarkets, convenience stores, or specialty shops to sell packaged wine and beer for customers to take away.
Pricing:
-
Application Fee: $500 to $1,000
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Renewal Fee: $500 annually
Address & Contact:
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Austin, TX.
Phone: (512) 206-3333
Services Offered:
Authorization to sell sealed wine and beer products for off-premise use.
8. Wine-Only Package Store Permit (Q)
Description:
This permit is required for businesses that sell wine only, without beer or spirits. It is typically used by specialty wine shops.
Pricing:
-
Application Fee: $1,000 to $1,500
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Renewal Fee: $1,000 annually
Address & Contact:
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Austin, TX.
Phone: (512) 206-3333
Services Offered:
Grants permission to sell sealed bottles of wine for off-premise consumption.
9. Package Store Permit (P)
Description:
The Package Store Permit is one of the most common retail licenses, allowing liquor stores to sell beer, wine, and spirits for off-premise consumption.
Pricing:
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Application Fee: $2,500 to $3,000
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Renewal Fee: $2,500 annually
Address & Contact:
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Austin, TX.
Phone: (512) 206-3333
Services Offered:
Authorizes liquor stores to sell all forms of alcoholic beverages in sealed containers.
10. General Distributor’s License (BB)
Description:
This license is intended for distributors who sell beer in bulk to retailers. It allows wholesale distribution but not direct retail sales.
Pricing:
-
Application Fee: $3,000 to $5,000
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Renewal Fee: Around $2,500 to $4,000 annually
Address & Contact:
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Austin, TX.
Phone: (512) 206-3333
Services Offered:
Permission to distribute beer to licensed retailers across Texas.
11. General Wholesaler’s Permit (W)
Description:
The W permit is for wholesalers who distribute wine and spirits to licensed retailers. It does not allow direct retail sales.
Pricing:
-
Application Fee: $5,000 to $7,500
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Renewal Fee: $5,000 annually
Address & Contact:
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Austin, TX.
Phone: (512) 206-3333
Services Offered:
Wholesale distribution rights for wine and distilled spirits.
12. Brewer’s Permit (B)
Description:
This permit allows breweries to manufacture beer for sale to distributors, retailers, or directly to consumers (depending on the volume).
Pricing:
-
Application Fee: $1,500 to $3,000
-
Renewal Fee: Around $1,500 annually
Address & Contact:
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Austin, TX.
Phone: (512) 206-3333
Services Offered:
Authorization to brew and sell beer within state-regulated limits.
13. Manufacturer’s Permit (BA)
Description:
This permit allows large-scale breweries and manufacturers to produce beer in quantities exceeding state limits for smaller brewers.
Pricing:
-
Application Fee: $10,000 to $12,000
-
Renewal Fee: $10,000 annually
Address & Contact:
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Austin, TX.
Phone: (512) 206-3333
Services Offered:
Grants authority to manufacture beer on a large scale and distribute it within Texas.
14. Distiller’s and Rectifier’s Permit (D)
Description:
This permit is required for distilleries producing spirits such as whiskey, vodka, rum, or gin. It also covers rectifying (blending or mixing spirits).
Pricing:
-
Application Fee: $12,000 to $15,000
-
Renewal Fee: $12,000 annually
Address & Contact:
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Austin, TX.
Phone: (512) 206-3333
Services Offered:
Permission to distill, bottle, and distribute distilled spirits in Texas.
15. Winery Permit (G)
Description:
This permit authorizes the production and sale of wine in Texas. Wineries may also sell directly to consumers on-site or ship to customers within legal limits.
Pricing:
-
Application Fee: $1,500 to $2,500
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Renewal Fee: $1,500 annually
Address & Contact:
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Austin, TX.
Phone: (512) 206-3333
Services Offered:
Permission to produce wine and operate tasting rooms for on-premise sales
16. Local Distributor’s Permit (LP)
Description:
The Local Distributor’s Permit is intended for businesses distributing wine and beer at the local level within a specific region or municipality. Unlike statewide distributors, this permit restricts operations to a smaller geographic area.
Pricing:
-
Application Fee: $2,000 to $3,500
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Renewal Fee: $2,000 annually
Address & Contact:
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Austin, TX.
Phone: (512) 206-3333
Services Offered:
Grants authorization to distribute beer and wine within a defined local jurisdiction in Texas.
17. Temporary Event Permit (TEP)
Description:
The Temporary Event Permit is used by organizations hosting short-term events, festivals, or private gatherings where alcohol will be served. This is common for charity fundraisers, weddings, or festivals.
Pricing:
-
Application Fee: $50 to $150 per day, depending on event size
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Renewal Fee: Not applicable (temporary license)
Address & Contact:
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Austin, TX.
Phone: (512) 206-3333
Services Offered:
Permission to legally serve beer, wine, or liquor at an event for a limited duration.
18. Caterer’s Permit (CB)
Description:
This permit allows licensed caterers to serve and sell alcoholic beverages at off-site events. It is often used by catering companies offering full-service event packages that include alcohol.
Pricing:
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Application Fee: $500 to $1,000
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Renewal Fee: $500 annually
Address & Contact:
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Austin, TX.
Phone: (512) 206-3333
Services Offered:
Authorization to provide and serve alcohol at private functions and catered events.
19. Passenger Carrier Permit (PC)
Description:
Designed for transportation companies such as limousine services, tour buses, and party buses, the Passenger Carrier Permit allows the service of alcohol to passengers during travel.
Pricing:
-
Application Fee: $750 to $1,200
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Renewal Fee: Around $700 annually
Address & Contact:
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Austin, TX.
Phone: (512) 206-3333
Services Offered:
Allows alcoholic beverage service to paying passengers during trips on licensed vehicles.
20. Industrial Permit (I)
Description:
The Industrial Permit is not for retail use but for companies using alcohol in the manufacturing of non-beverage products such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, or cleaning agents.
Pricing:
-
Application Fee: $1,000 to $2,000
-
Renewal Fee: Around $1,000 annually
Address & Contact:
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Austin, TX.
Phone: (512) 206-3333
Services Offered:
Authorization to purchase, store, and use alcohol strictly for industrial or non-consumable purposes.
Conclusion
The cost of obtaining a liquor license in Texas varies widely depending on the type of permit, the scope of the business, and the type of alcohol being sold. For small establishments like local restaurants or convenience stores, licenses such as the Wine and Beer Retailer’s Permit (BG) or Beer Off-Premise License (BF) can cost between a few hundred and a few thousand dollars. On the other end of the spectrum, large-scale manufacturers and distributors such as distilleries, wholesalers, and breweries may pay anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000 annually for the right to operate.
Entrepreneurs planning to sell or distribute alcohol in Texas should carefully evaluate which license best matches their business model. Renewal fees, compliance requirements, and revenue-based conditions (such as the 51% rule for restaurants) should also be factored into the business plan.
It’s important to note that obtaining a liquor license is not simply about paying a fee. Each permit comes with legal responsibilities, including age verification, adherence to local ordinances, and proper record-keeping. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines, suspensions, or the loss of the license altogether.
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission provides guidance and oversight to ensure that businesses remain in compliance. Whether you’re opening a wine bar in Austin, a brewery in Houston, a convenience store in Dallas, or a distillery in San Antonio, having the right liquor license is essential to operating legally and successfully.
By understanding the top 20 liquor license types and their associated costs, business owners can better prepare for the financial and regulatory requirements of the alcohol industry in Texas. From small-scale operations to large distributors, the investment in a liquor license is a critical step toward long-term success in this competitive market