To operate legally in Texas, businesses that offer alcoholic drinks must acquire several permissions and licenses. The Mixed Beverage Permit is one of these permits that enable companies to sell mixed beverages with alcohol, wine, or beer for consumption on the premises.
If you manage a company and wish to sell mixed drinks in Texas, here is all you need to know about the Mixed Beverage Permit and how it can influence your business.
All About Mixed Beverage Permit
A Mixed Beverage Permit is a type of Texas alcohol license that enables establishments to sell mixed beverages with alcohol, wine, or beer for consumption on the premises. In addition, establishments are allowed to serve alcoholic beverages that combine wine, beer, and distilled spirits (such as whiskey, gin, or vodka) with other components.
This Texas alcohol license entails several obligations and rules that companies must follow. Read the next part to know these obligations.
Compliance
Organizations must abide by all state laws governing the serving of alcoholic beverages, which involves ensuring that all staffs are holders of a Texas alcohol license, adequately trained, and that no minors or drunk people are supplied with alcohol.
Liability
Companies must have insurance covering any injuries or damages from supplying alcoholic beverages. Although it may be expensive, doing this is vital to safeguard the company in the event of an accident.
Enforcement
All laws about the serving of alcoholic beverages in Texas are put into effect by the TABC. Therefore, businesses must be ready for routine inspections and audits to guarantee that they abide by state rules.
Income
For companies in Texas, selling mixed beverages may be a substantial source of income. It’s essential to strike a balance between this and the need to provide alcohol responsibly and legally.
Obtaining a Mixed Beverage Permit
This Texas Alcohol License can be obtained by accomplishing an application to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) and meeting specific requirements. These requirements include:
Being situated in a wet area:
In Texas, local option elections are used to control alcohol sales, which indicates that while some areas of the state are “wet” and accept alcohol sales, others are “dry” and do not. Therefore, your company must be situated in a wet region to be eligible for this Mixed Beverage Permit, Texas alcohol license.
Meeting the minimum square footage requirements:
Businesses must have a least 400 square feet of floor area to sell and serve alcoholic drinks.
Getting the bare minimum of seating:
Businesses must provide clients with at least 25 seats.
Offering meal service:
Customers must always be offered food while businesses are serving alcoholic drinks.
Obtaining a certificate for food and drink:
A Food and Beverage Certificate from the TABC is required for businesses.
Advantages of Having a Mixed Beverage Permit
For companies who want to offer mixed beverages, this Texas alcohol license, called a mixed beverage permit, may be a helpful asset. Read the next part to know the advantages of getting a mixed beverage permit:
Boosted income
Selling mixed drinks may be a lucrative business idea. Customers are frequently ready to spend more for mixed drinks than beer or wine since they typically have better profit margins.
Increasing customer satisfaction
Offering mixed beverages can be a strategy for drawing in new clients and retaining current ones. In addition, customers value having a wide selection of drinks.
The advantage over competitors who just sell beer and wine
Since not all companies have a mixed beverage permit, owning one might give your establishment a competitive edge.
Limitations of a Mixed Beverage Permit
While having a Mixed Beverage Permit has numerous advantages, there are also rules that businesses must follow. Here are some limitations of this Texas alcohol license.
Operating Hours
Businesses with a Mixed Beverage Permit must stop serving alcoholic beverages at two in the morning and can’t start selling again until seven in the morning.
Age Restrictions
Businesses are not allowed to offer alcohol to anyone younger than 21.
Intoxicated Clients
Businesses are not allowed to provide alcohol to clients who are visibly intoxicated.
Foodservice
As was already established, while serving alcoholic drinks, businesses must always offer food service to their clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is required to sell mixed drinks in Texas?
The city, county, Texas Secretary of State, and Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts must all be contacted for certificates, and you must complete an application. You could be required to put up a 60-day sign and print a notice in the neighborhood publication. You must deliver the application to your neighborhood TABC office.
Can you sell mixed drinks from home in Texas?
The law allows selling alcohol like Mixed Beverage and even Private Club permittees. This also includes mixed drinks, whether it’s for pickup by or delivery, just as long as they comply with the law’s provisions.
Do you need a permit to sell drinks in Texas?
Without the necessary license or authorization, you cannot sell alcohol. If you sell alcohol without the TABC’s permission, you risk penalties and jail time. A thorough retailers’ guide is available from TABC.
The Bottom Line: What We Know
Businesses in Texas that desire to offer mixed beverages must first get a Texas alcohol license called a mixed beverage permit. Even though there are rules that companies must follow, there might be significant advantages to serving mixed beverages.
To make sure that your business complies with Texas alcohol license handling rules, educate yourself on the prerequisites and limits if you’re thinking about applying for a Mixed Beverage Permit.