Texas alcohol license fees depend on the type of license and your location

Texas alcohol licenses are not one fixed price. The state charges different amounts based on what you want to sell — beer and wine only, spirits, or all three — and whether you're opening a bar, restaurant, grocery store, or off-premise location. Your city or county may also charge a local fee on top of the state fee, and those vary widely. A beer and wine license in one Texas city might cost $300 total, while the same license in another city could run $1,500 or more.

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) sets the state portion of the fee. Local governments set their own portion, so you need to check with both your city and county before you budget. Some cities have no local fee at all; others charge hundreds of dollars annually.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas state fees for alcohol licenses range from around $300 to $1,100 per year depending on the type of license, with beer and wine licenses costing less than licenses that include spirits.
  • Your city or county adds a local fee on top of the state fee, and this local portion can be anywhere from zero to several hundred dollars or more.
  • Off-premise licenses (liquor stores, grocery stores) and on-premise licenses (bars, restaurants) have different fee structures.
  • You must contact your city and county separately to find out their local fees, because neither the TABC website nor a single state office publishes all local rates.

State fees set by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission

The TABC charges an annual state fee based on your license type. For an off-premise beer and wine license (a store that sells beer and wine but not spirits), the state fee is approximately $300 to $400 per year. An off-premise all-alcohol license (selling beer, wine, and spirits) costs roughly $800 to $1,100 per year. These figures can shift slightly year to year, so confirm the current amount with the TABC before submitting payment.

On-premise licenses — for bars, restaurants, and clubs where people drink on the property — follow a different fee schedule. An on-premise beer and wine license typically runs $300 to $500 annually, while an on-premise all-alcohol license can reach $800 to $1,100 per year. Some license types, such as those for breweries or wineries, have their own fee structures.

The TABC publishes its current fee schedule on its website under "License Types and Fees." That page lists the state portion only — it does not include local fees, which you must research separately.

Local fees added by your city and county

After you pay the TABC state fee, your city and county can each charge their own local license fee. A city might charge $200 to $500 annually, while the county adds another $100 to $300. Some cities charge nothing; others charge $1,000 or more. There is no statewide cap on local fees, so the total cost varies dramatically by location.

To find your local fees, contact your city's business licensing office or finance department directly. Ask specifically for the annual alcohol license fee for your license type and location. Then contact your county clerk's office and ask the same question. Write down both numbers, because you will need to pay both.

Some cities publish their fee schedules online, but many do not. A phone call is usually faster than searching. Have your license type ready when you call — the fee often depends on whether you are opening a bar, restaurant, grocery store, or liquor store.

How location within Texas affects your total cost

A beer and wine off-premise license in a small rural Texas county might cost $300 (state) plus $50 (county) plus $0 (city) for a total of $350 per year. The same license in a major city like Austin or Houston could easily run $300 (state) plus $200 (county) plus $400 (city) for a total of $900 or more annually. Some cities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area charge even higher local fees.

The difference is not random. Cities and counties with higher populations, more competition among alcohol retailers, or stricter regulatory environments tend to charge higher local fees. A city that wants to limit the number of new bars might set a high license fee as a way to discourage applications.

Before you choose a location for a bar, restaurant, or liquor store, call the city and county where you are considering opening. The license fee is one of many costs, but it is one you can learn about in a single afternoon of phone calls.

What happens after you pay the license fee

Paying the fee does not mean you have a license. The fee covers the cost of processing your process, but you must still meet TABC requirements and local requirements before approval. You will need to pass a background check, provide proof of ownership or a lease, show that you meet zoning rules, and in some cases attend a hearing or get approval from your city council.

The TABC typically takes 60 to 90 days to process an process after you submit it, though this varies. Some cities add their own review period on top of that. Budget several months from the time you submit your process to the time you receive your license.

If your process is denied, the fee is usually not refunded. This is why it matters to confirm zoning, local opposition, and your own may be able to access before you pay — not after.

Renewal fees and ongoing costs

Your alcohol license must be renewed every year. The renewal fee is the same as the initial license fee — you pay the state portion and the local portion again. Some cities offer a small discount for renewal compared to a new license, but most charge the full amount annually.

In addition to the license fee, you may owe other costs: a local health permit, a food service permit if you serve food, a sign permit, and possibly a local alcohol tax. These are separate from the license fee and vary by city. Ask your city's business licensing office for a complete list of permits and fees you will need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find all Texas alcohol license fees in one place?

No. The TABC publishes state fees, but local fees are set by each city and county separately. You must contact your specific city and county to learn their portion. No single website lists all local fees across Texas.

Do I pay the license fee before or after I get approved?

You pay the fee when you submit your process. The fee covers the cost of processing and review. If you are denied, you do not get the fee back, so confirm you meet the requirements before you explore.

Is the license fee the same every year?

Yes, the renewal fee is typically the same as the initial fee. You pay both the state and local portion again each year. Some cities offer a small renewal discount, but most charge the full amount.

What if my city or county does not have a published fee schedule?

Call the city's business licensing office or the county clerk's office directly. They can tell you the fee over the phone. If they cannot, ask who handles alcohol licensing and get that person's contact information.

Are there any Texas alcohol licenses that do not require a fee?

No. All alcohol licenses issued by the TABC carry a state fee. Local fees vary, but the state fee is mandatory for every license type.