Do you want to sell liquor? If so, then you need to know the Texas liquor license procedure. Below is what you should do if you want to obtain a liquor license.
1. Determine What License You Need
The liquor license procedure you’ll follow depends on what state you reside in. Generally speaking, the first thing you need to do is contact your state’s ABC board. They will tell you what is required of you and they will ask you a series of questions to help you determine what license you need to get.
Bear in mind that many states only have a certain number of licenses they will give out. Some states will only hand out a certain number of licenses in any given year. Your state’s ABC will let you know if this is the case in your state.
2. Prepare & File Your Application
The next step is to prepare for the application process and then file your application. Whether you’re buying a liquor license from an established business or getting a new one, you need to be prepared. This includes making sure you have all the required documents, as well as the payment for the processing fee, have the background check forms and you have taken your fingerprints if required. Other things you might need to include in your application are financial verification sheets, a certificate of good standing from the Secretary of State’s office, as well as a signed lease agreement.
If you’re confident you have all of the documents, then you can lodge your application. The way you’ll do this depends on the state you are applying for a liquor license. Generally speaking, filing the application is easy.
3. The Approval Process
After you submit your application, you’ll have to wait. The approval process can be lengthy. In general, it can take half a year to finally get your license.
The process starts with the local authorities, as they will take a look at your application. The ABC board will work alongside local officials to determine if a new license is available to give out, and then your premises might be checked by a compliance officer. Be aware that complaints can be filed and this is why a public hearing might be conducted.
If complaints are resolved or if there weren’t any complaints, then you wait. If the application is approved, then you’ll receive your license. Whether it’s approved or denied, you will know about it within a few months.