ABLS - Alcoholic Beverage License Service

office (713) 682-2100
e-fax (866) 574-6273
After Hours/Cell (832) 794-8800


EMAIL US

Services

 

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE PERMITS

We take the stress out of the processing!

We handle the preparation and processing of new and renewal applications for all Federal, State, County and City permits for all businesses in the alcoholic beverage industry.

This includes clubs, restaurants, liquor stores, convenience stores, grocery stores, meat markets, private clubs, wine shops, reception halls, wholesalers, importers, distributors, and more.

In addition to Alcoholic Beverage Permits we provide assistance with the application and filing of the following licenses and permits.  Please contact our office with any questions about qualification and/or cost for these services.

LOTTERY AND LOTTO PERMITS
Start selling lottery tickets!

If you own a liquor store, gas station, convenience store, or grocery store, you may want to offer your customers the ability to purchase lottery tickets or play the lotto.  Many store owners request this permit because it provides an additional reason for customers to trade at their store.  Lottery is limited to off-premise alcohol sales with an allowable exception for certain businesses who have a deli or restaurant and desire on-premise beer consumption.

Part of the Lottery application process involves fingerprinting of the business owners listed on the application.  We offer in-house fingerprinting by appointment at the inexpensive rate of $30.00 per person.

TOBACCO PERMITS
Over-the-counter cigar/cigarette sales

Do you need to sell tobacco products “over the counter?”  There is a permit for that and we can help.  This permit renews every 2 years.

CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME
Save your gas money – let us do the filing!

You are required to file your business name with the County Clerk’s office of the county in which you do business.  This will insure that no one else has the right to do business under the same name as yours.  Before you can open a bank account for your business you must provide your bank with a Certificate of Assumed Name.   If you are incorporated we can also file your name with the Texas Secretary of State.

VENDING PERMITS
Own your vending machines?  You need permits!

Do you own your vending machines?  Pool tables?  Amusement machines?  Jukeboxes?  If so, you are required by the State of Texas to register your business and your machines.  You must also obtain decals for your machines from the city and county in which your business is located.  We can assist you with this requirement.

CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY 
Most cities require one for all businesses

Most cities in Texas require that you file a Special Use or Occupancy Permit prior to opening a business.  We can assist you with any application process that does not require legal or professional help by an attorney or architect.

SALES TAX PERMIT 
Why wait in line?  You need it, we’ll do it!

Whether you are a retailer or a wholesaler in the alcoholic beverage industry you are required to obtain a Sales Tax Permit (also known as a business license in some states). 

Although there is no expiration date for this permit, you are required by the State Comptroller’s office to keep this permit in good standing by remitting your collected sales taxes in a timely manner.  This permit is a normal part of our application processing for any business that sells alcoholic beverages.

FOOD STAMP APPLICATIONS
Do you accept food stamps?


Many convenience stores and grocery/markets need to accept Food Stamps from their customers.

This application is made through the Food and Drug Administration.  It is not a simple application process but we will make it as painless as possible for you.  You will be required to submit information on your spouses along with the application.

BONDS
Conduct Surety, Performance, and Tax Bonds


Our independent agent is ready and willing to give you the best quote for your bonding needs.

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission requires the following bonds for certain permits:

Conduct Surety Bond:  $5,000.00 or $10,000.00
All bars, night clubs, etc., are required to maintain a Conduct Surety Bond for the first 3 years of business.  The normal bond is $5,000.00.  However, if your business is located within 1,000 feet of a school and is not inside the city limits of Houston, you will need a $10,000.00 bond.  Off-premise type permit businesses (liquor stores, grocery stores, etc.) that are located within 1,000 feet of a school are also required to obtain a $10,000.00 bond.

Performance Bond:  $2,000.00
This bond is required of all bars, night clubs, etc., that hold a Wine and Beer Retailer’s Permit or Beer Retailer’s On-Premise License and are located within Harris, Dallas, or Tarrant Counties.  This bond doubles for every violation that occurs at the premises for which the bond is issued.

Mixed Beverage Tax Bonds:  $7,500.00
Required by the State Comptroller’s office for at least the first 2 years of business for all Mixed Beverage Permits (Bars and Restaurants).

Other Tax or Permit Bonds:  various amounts
Required for all wholesalers, importers, carriers, and determined by the type of permit application and the amount of sales per month.

 

Our Commitment

We have over 30 years of experience in the liquor licensing business. Our experienced staff is eagerly awaiting your call.  We are accessible even after "normal" business hours.