Texas Alcohol ConsultantADVICO

ADVICO.COM

ADVICO.COM provides a broad range of consulting services to individuals and the business and investing community. These include both advice and advocacy efforts relating to real estate and the governmental processes as well as psychological services via licensed professionals.

One area of specialty involves the Alcoholic Beverage Permitting and Licensing Process in the State of Texas, governed by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code.

Many areas in Texas are "dry" for the sale of alcohol for on-premise consumption - or, off-premise consumption -or, perhaps only one type of beverage is allowed. Maybe the area is dry, but beverages can still be "served".

Often the area is "wet" for sales or service, but specific locations in the wet area may be dry because they are too close to, say, a public hospital, or church or ....

Note the use of the word "area". "Area" may be a county, a city, or even a justice of the peace precinct. Is that clear? Maybe not. A city or precinct may change its boundaries or trade land with another. The alcohol boundary, however, does not change unless and until another vote is held. Even the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission Internet map of wet/dry counties is not accurate. At least one major "wet" county on the map is not totally "wet". Locating the exact boundary and regulation distances may not be an easy task and prove costly if a mistake is made.

Does one need a "permit' or "license"? There is a confusing difference in process and law.

New businesses coming to Texas often are surprised by the complexity and hurdles that Texas laws present. Satisfying the normal corporate requirements to do business in Texas typically are not sufficient for meeting TABC requirements. Also, extensive personnel background reviews are necessary as part of the TABC process. The process is detailed and time consuming at each governmental level - state, county and local.

Advice on the process/Advocacy for the client - "carrying the ball the whole way" - is the work of ADVICO.COM. ADVICO.COM does not provide legal advice or real estate brokerage or psychological services, but can suggest experienced counsel when appropriate. For information and a list of clients e-mail alcohol@advico.com or call 214-215-2235 or fax your request to 214-363-4161.