Houston, Texas, Since 1944
Houston Liquor License and TABC Permit Experts
We are a Houston based liquor licensing agency staffed by former TABC professionals. We handle TABC permits and surety bonds for Houston and Harris County businesses, and hand carry your local certifications so you open on time.
Why Local Matters
An Office in Houston, Not a Call Center Across the Country
A Houston liquor license is not only a state filing. Texas law requires signatures and certifications from local officials, and in Houston that means the City Secretary and the Harris County Clerk. Because our office is here, we walk your paperwork to the right desks in person and clear local steps that stall applicants who file from out of town.
We handle the AIMS filing and the local certifications together, so nothing falls between the state and the county.
Start Your Houston ApplicationHouston Permitting Center
1002 Washington Avenue, Houston. Several local certifications route through the city, and we handle those visits for you.
Serving Houston and all of Harris County.
What We Do in Houston
Comprehensive Licensing, Permits, and Bonds
Whatever your Houston business needs to sell, serve, or store alcohol, we handle the full application and the supporting bonds.
Licenses and Permits
Surety Bonds
Choose the Right Permit
Which Permit Fits Your Houston Business
A quick comparison of the permits Houston owners ask about most. We confirm the exact fit during your consultation.
| Permit | Code | Best for | State fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wine and Malt (BG) | BG | Beer and wine, bars, cafes, wine shops | $1,900 for two years |
| Package Store (P) | P | Liquor stores, off premise spirits | $1,800 for two years |
| Private Club (N) | N | Venues in dry or restricted areas | $2,401 and up |
| Mixed Beverage (MB) | MB | Full bars and restaurants serving spirits | $5,300 and up |
Fees are the state portion for 2026 and are subject to change. Local Houston fees and a conduct surety bond, often 5,000 dollars, are additional.
How It Works
Your Houston Liquor License in Four Steps
Fast, reliable, and thorough, from your first call to an approved license.
Consultation
We review your Houston location, concept, and goals, then confirm the exact permit and bond you need.
Site and distance check
We measure distance to schools and churches and confirm zoning before you sign a Houston lease.
Filing and local certification
We file through AIMS and hand carry your City of Houston and Harris County certifications.
Approval and renewal
We track your file to approval, then keep your Houston permits and bonds current.
Answers
Houston Liquor License FAQ
Direct answers to the questions Houston business owners ask us most.
How do I get a liquor license in Houston?
You file with the TABC through the AIMS portal and complete local certifications for the City of Houston and Harris County, including signatures from the City Secretary and the County Clerk. Our office is in Houston, so we hand carry local paperwork to the right desks to keep your file moving.
Where is the Houston Permitting Center and do I need to go there?
The Houston Permitting Center is at 1002 Washington Avenue. Several local certifications route through the city, and we handle those visits for you so you do not have to navigate the counters yourself.
How long does a Houston liquor license take?
Most complete applications clear in about 35 to 50 days through AIMS, with local certification and the 60 day posting period sometimes extending the total toward 90 days. Harris County volume can affect timing, which is why we file complete the first time.
Which Houston businesses do you help most?
Bars, restaurants, package stores, private clubs, convenience stores, and event venues across Houston and Harris County. If your location is near a school or church, we run the distance analysis before you commit to the space.
Across Texas
We Also Serve These Texas Markets
Based in Houston and filing in every Texas county. Explore our other local pages.
GFA Testimonials
Trusted By Businesses Across Texas
"The Gerald Franklin Agency is the gold standard in the State of Texas for application, renewals and compliance in the ever changing licensing industry."
"Would highly recommend using Gerald Franklin Agency for liquor licenses and permits. Richard Wills is incredibly professional and I had a great experience working with him."
"Richard and the team certainly played a major role in facilitating our access to the market."
Ready to Start Your Houston Liquor License?
Tell us about your business and location. We will confirm the exact permit and bond you need and what it will cost. Speak with our licensing experts today.