To obtain a bartending license in Texas, also known as a TABC (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission) certification, you need to complete a training course through a TABC-approved seller training school, verify your certification status, and apply for a new license or permit through the Alcohol Industry Management System (AIMS). While TABC seller/server certification is not required under state law, it is strongly recommended as many retailers require certification before employment.
1. Complete a TABC-approved Training Course
- Purpose: This training course covers topics such as laws and rules related to alcohol sales and intervention techniques to prevent sales to minors and intoxicated customers. It is a prerequisite for obtaining a TABC certification.
- Estimated Cost: The cost varies depending on the training school.
- Instructions: You can opt for online or in-person training through various TABC-approved schools. Some of the online training schools include National TABC Foundation, Seller Training, @ Home Prep, and many others. For in-person training in Austin, you can contact ProvechoAustin at provecho.austin@gmail.com or call them at 512-573-1185.
2. Verify Your Certification Status
- Purpose: This step is necessary to ensure that your certification is current and valid.
- Instructions: To verify your current certification status, visit the Seller Training/TABC Certification Inquiry System, click on the “Certificate Inquiry” link on the left side of the screen, enter your Social Security number without any dashes, enter your birth date in the format MM/DD/YYYY, follow the security measures instructions and click “Search”.
3. Apply for a New License or Permit
- Purpose: This is the final step in obtaining a bartending license in Texas.
- Estimated Cost: The cost varies depending on the type of license or permit you are applying for.
- Instructions: You need to apply for a new license or permit through the Alcohol Industry Management System (AIMS). While AIMS is the fastest and preferred way to apply, TABC also accepts applications by mail. A complete application must include all answered questions and required documents, payment for application fees, and the applicant's signature before a notary public. Payments must be made with a cashier's check, money order, or company check payable to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Personal checks are not accepted. Mail your complete application to: Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, P.O. Box 13127 Austin, TX 78711-3127.
Once you've completed your TABC seller/server training and submitted your license application through the AIMS system, pairing your Texas bar with a powerful reliable bar POS system makes it easier to manage high-volume sales, staff permissions, and compliance documentation.
Our guide to the top POS solutions for bar owners is a great resource for Texas bar operators getting ready to open.
FAQs
- Is TABC seller/server certification required under state law? No, TABC seller/server certification is not required under state law, but it is strongly recommended as many retailers require certification before employment.
- Can I apply for a new license or permit online? Yes, you can apply for a new license or permit through the Alcohol Industry Management System (AIMS), which is the fastest and preferred way to apply.
- What if I can't find the form I need? If you can't find the form you need, you can contact your local TABC office by phone or in person to request a form.
Earning your Texas bartending credentials is step one; the harder part is running the bar profitably once the doors open — tabs, comps, and tight margins on every pour. From day one, POS systems for restaurants bring sales, payments, and permissions into one place.
To keep food costs in check, a food GPO puts money back on the distributor orders you place anyway.
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