Texas Alcohol Bond Guide
If you are applying for an alcohol permit with the TABC, you need to purchase a surety bond.
Bond Overview
- Purpose: To hold alcohol permittees liable for upholding state regulations
- Who Needs It: All general alcohol permit applicants in Texas
- Regulating Body: The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
- Required Amount: $5,000
- Premium Rate: $100
There are additional bond requirements for brewer's and applicants with a history of permit violations. Read on to learn more about the Texas alcohol bonding processs.
What Are Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission Bonds?
Texas alcoholic beverage commission (TABC) bonds ensure that liquor licensees will properly pay all taxes associated with distributing, manufacturing, selling, storing or wholesaling alcohol in Texas.
These surety bonds protect consumers and the state by holding companies accountable for:
- Paying all alcohol taxes, interests, fines and fees owed to the state
- Following Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) regulations
- Complying with laws regulating TABC permits and bonds
If you fail to meet these obligations, the surety company will pay valid claims up to the full bond amount, which you must reimburse.
What Are the TABC Surety Bond Requirements?
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission enforces several separate surety bond requirements:
- Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code Section 11.11 requires general alcohol permit applicants to file a $5,000 conduct surety bond. The bond amount increases to $10,000 if the business is located within 1,000 feet of a public school.
- Texas Administrative Code Statute 33.42 requires a $2,000 TABC performance bond for certain applicants. The bond amount may increase if you violate TABC rules or the Alcoholic Beverage Code.
- Texas Administrative Code Statute 33.45 requires brewer's license applicants to file a $30,000 surety bond.
Mixed beverage and private club permittees in Texas are required to file bonds with the Comptroller of Public Accounts. Visit our Texas Mixed Beverage Tax Bond Guide to learn more and apply.
How Much Do Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission Bonds Cost?
Texas alcohol bond costs start at $100 annually but vary depending on your license type and its required bond amount.
- $5,000 TABC conduct bonds cost $100
- $10,000 TABC conduct bonds cost $120
- All TABC performance bonds cost $100
- TABC brewer and manufacturer fee interest bonds start at $340, but premiums are credit-based
Select your bond below to buy now or request a free quote.
How Does a Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission Bond Work?
A Texas alcohol tax bond protects the state and the public by creating a legally-binding contract between three parties:
- Principal: The licensee purchasing the TABC bond
- Obligee: The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
- Surety: The bond issuer
If the principal breaks the bond terms and creates damages, the obligee or consumers can file a claim for reimbursement. The surety will investigate and pay out valid claims, which the principal must eventually refund.
Who Needs a TABC Bond?
You might need to file a TABC bond if you have or are applying for an alcoholic beverage permit to work as one or more of the following as it pertains to alcohol:
- Beer or malt beverages brewer
- Liquor distiller
- Distributor
- Exporter
- Importer
- Manufacturer
- Package store
- Retailer
- Seller
- Transporter
- Warehouse
How Do I Get a TABC Performance or Conduct Bond?
You can purchase your Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission performance or conduct surety bond online 24/7. You'll need to provide the following information for filing approval:
- Applicant/entity name
- Location address
- County
- License type
- License number, if available
After processing your payment, we’ll email your official bond instantly. Mail your original bond documentation to the TABC at the following address:
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
PO Box 13127
Austin, TX 78711
How to Update Your TABC Bond Form
If the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission requires your bond form to be updated for any reason, contact your surety provider. If you purchased your bond from SuretyBonds.com email [email protected] to explain the needed change.
The most common changes requested include:
- Business name
- Business address
- Permit county
- License type
How Fast Can I Get My Bond?
SuretyBonds.com offers instant TABC performance and conduct bond delivery 24/7. Purchase now to receive your official TABC bond in minutes by email.
Your official brewer and manufacturer fee interest bond will be delivered by email once a team member has reviewed your order.
If you have questions about TABC bonds or your application, call 1 (800) 308-4358 to speak with a friendly surety expert.
How to Get a Liquor License in Texas
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission enforces license and permit requirements for the state's alcohol sales. You can contact the TABC Licensing Division by calling 1 (512) 206-3360 or emailing [email protected].
Complete the following steps to apply for your Texas liquor license or alcoholic beverage permit:
- Determine the type of license or permit you need.
- Create an account on the Alcohol Industry Management System (AIMS) website and fill out your application.
- Purchase your TABC surety bond in the required bond amount.
- Submit your application to your local TABC office and pay the alcohol permit or license fee.
It typically takes 45–60 days for the TABC to issue an official license or permit. For more detailed instructions and cost information, check out our step-by-step guide on how to get a Texas ABC license.
