Administration & Regulatory Affairs

Alcohol and Alcohol-Related Business

Effective September 1, 2025, the Alcohol Certification process will be updated due to changes put forth in new legislation. The application process has been amended and detailed below. Links to the new Director’s Rule, Guidelines, Affidavit of Measurements and Measurement resources can be found below.

• Director’s Rule
• Alcohol Sales Guidelines
• Affidavit of Measurements
• Sample Survey - Coming Soon
• Measurement Samples – Coming Soon

*** Permit requirements are set by the TABC and enforced by the City of Houston

Application Submission Requirements:

• Apply with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
• Submit a copy of the TABC Initial application and Required Certifications applications to ARA
• Submit a copy of the certified survey of the proposed alcohol sale location.
• The survey must be prepared by a Texas licensed surveyor or state-licensed engineer.
• The survey must indicate distances from the property to nearby schools, daycares, public hospitals, and religious institutions.
• The survey must be dated within 60 days of submitting the TABC application.
• **Survey is only required upon application for a new TABC License.
• Submit the Affidavit of Measurements
• Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy from the Public Works & Engineering Department, Code Enforcement section
• Apply for any other applicable City permits or licenses
• Pay city fees as applicable (see Chapter III, Code of Ordinances). Fees range from $10 to $1000 annually, depending on the TABC license/permit.

Expiration: Year to Date