Applying for a liquor license in Houston, Texas involves a series of steps managed by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC). The first step is to create an account on the Alcohol Industry Management System (AIMS), a platform provided by the TABC. This account should be created by a principal party of the business, such as an officer or director, who can also assign a designee to complete this step. Once the account is set up, you can apply for the appropriate license or permit through AIMS, which will guide you through the application process. You will also need to register your business with the Texas Secretary of State and the Comptroller of Public Accounts, and obtain required signs as detailed on the TABC’s Sign Requirements page. The complete application must be signed, notarized, and submitted along with the public notice, publisher’s affidavit, and all city, county, and state certificates. The TABC's website provides more detailed information on the application process.
The TABC office in Houston can provide guidance on all alcoholic beverage industry topics, including licensing. However, due to current circumstances, the TABC offices are open by appointment only. Appointments can be booked online and the Houston office is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. The office can assist with licensing, enforcement, and audit and investigations. Certain services such as marketing practices, product registration, excise taxes, and tax ID stamps are only available at their headquarters. You can find more information and book an appointment at the TABC offices page.
It's important to note that the process can take about 50 days from the date the TABC receives a complete application to issue a new license. For any questions or support during the application process, you can call the TABC at (512) 206-3360 or email at licensing@tabc.texas.gov.
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