Applicants wanting an Alcoholic Beverage Permit processed by the City of Austin must follow these steps:

  1. Create an account and complete the application process in the State of Texas' Alcohol Industry Management System (AIMS), and learn more about the licensing process on the State's new TABC Licenses and Permits page. Please call TABC directly at 512-206-3333 with any questions.
     
  2. After submitting the AIMS application through TABC, call the Office of the City Clerk at (512) 974-2210 to obtain a tracking number for the City Clerk's signature. To receive a tracking number, the applicant must provide the following information:
     
    • Complete Address/Location 
    • Name of Business (trade business)
    • Name of the Applicant/Business (LLC name)
    • First and last name of contact person
    • Contact phone number
    • Contact email address
    • Liquor license type (the letter codes)
       
  3. The Zoning department will notify the Clerk’s office once zoning is approved, and the Clerk's office will notify the applicant of approval.
     
  4. Once zoning is approved, set an appointment (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - noon) to obtain the city clerk's signature through the TABC Packet calendar, email the application to city.clerk@austintexas.gov, or mail in the packet to P.O. Box 1088, Austin, TX 78767 (be sure to include a postage paid return envelope).

To lawfully operate, TABC requires application approval. Besides the TABC license or permit, the City of Austin may require additional approvals, including but not limited to: 

  • A Public Assembly Permit if the business is classified as Group A Occupancy (bar, night club or restaurant) and sales are 51% alcohol; contact the Austin Fire Department at (512) 974-0160 for more information. 
  • A current, valid Permit to Operate a Food Enterprise prior to opening a bar or other food business; contact Austin Public Health (walk-in address: 1520 Rutherford Lane, Bldg. 1, East Entrance, Austin, TX 78754; phone: (512) 978-0300; email address: ehsd.service@austintexas.gov) to obtain application information and instructions for new businesses, or for information on changing ownership of existing establishments.
  • A certificate of occupancy to lawfully occupy, use, or change the use of a structure.