Texas liquor license cost
Your cost in Texas is TABC application fees plus a first-period surcharge — typically a few thousand dollars, not a six-figure license purchase. Anyone quoting you a large 'license for sale' price in Texas is selling you the business, not a scarce license.
| License | Type | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MB (Mixed Beverage Permit) | Full Liquor — Bar/Restaurant | TABC fees + ~$8,400 first-year surcharge area (not a resale price) | Apply to TABC. No quota, no resale market — do not pay a 'for sale' premium. |
| BG (Wine & Malt Beverage) | Beer & Wine On-Premise | TABC fees only | Lower-cost on-premise option; apply directly. |
| Local wet/dry status | Threshold issue, not a license | n/a | If the location is 'dry' for your type, no permit fixes it — this is the real Texas gating factor. |
Figures are 2025–2026 market ranges and the agency's published fees; resale prices move. Confirm on the official registry.
How to buy in Texas → · Financing →
FAQ
Why are liquor licenses so expensive in Texas?
They aren't — Texas has no quota, so your cost is just application fees, not a resale price.
What is the cheapest liquor license in Texas?
If the location is 'dry' for your type, no permit fixes it — this is the real Texas gating factor.