Selling alcohol in Texas means navigating one of the most complex regulatory systems in the country. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission oversees more than 68,000 active licenses, and violations can result in fines exceeding $10,000, license suspensions, or permanent revocation. Whether you are opening a new bar, responding to a citation, or defending against an emergency suspension order, specialized legal counsel makes the difference between keeping your doors open and losing your business.
What TABC Attorneys Handle
License Applications and Transfers
New TABC license applications require precise documentation, proper entity structuring, and navigation of local option rules that vary by county and municipality. Texas has a patchwork of wet, dry, and moist areas that affect which permits can be issued in specific locations. Attorneys handle original applications, location transfers, ownership changes, and corporate restructuring that affects existing permits. They also manage submissions through the AIMS portal and coordinate with local authorities on required approvals. Common permit types include Mixed Beverage permits for bars and restaurants, Wine and Beer Retailer permits, Package Store permits, and manufacturer licenses for breweries, distilleries, and wineries.
Violation Defense and Administrative Hearings
When TABC issues a citation, the clock starts ticking. Violations range from minor administrative issues like late renewals to serious allegations like selling to minors or after-hours sales. Penalties escalate with repeat violations, and compliance history follows your license permanently. Attorneys represent license holders in settlement negotiations, contested case hearings before the State Office of Administrative Hearings, and appeals to district court. Effective defense often reduces penalties and protects the license from suspension or revocation.
Dram Shop and Liquor Liability
The Texas Dram Shop Act creates civil liability for establishments that overserve patrons who then cause injuries. Under Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code Section 2.02, providers can be held liable if they serve alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person or minor who subsequently causes injury to a third party. Attorneys defend bars, restaurants, and retailers against third-party claims, negotiate with insurance carriers, and litigate cases through trial when necessary. They also help establishments develop responsible service policies that reduce liability exposure.
Comptroller Audits and Tax Disputes
The Texas Comptroller audits mixed beverage gross receipts taxes, which apply to establishments selling liquor by the drink. Discrepancies between reported sales and actual receipts can trigger assessments, penalties, and interest that accumulate quickly. Attorneys challenge audit findings, negotiate settlements, and represent taxpayers in administrative hearings. Proper recordkeeping and point-of-sale system documentation are critical to defending against assessments.
How to Choose a TABC Attorney
TABC law is a specialized niche. When evaluating attorneys:
Direct TABC Experience: Ask how many TABC cases they have handled specifically, not just administrative hearings generally.
SOAH Track Record: If your case may go to hearing, ask about their experience before administrative law judges at the State Office of Administrative Hearings.
Response Time: Emergency suspension orders require action within 24 to 48 hours. Ensure the firm can respond quickly.
Fee Structure: TABC matters range from simple renewals (flat fee) to complex litigation (hourly). Understand charges before engaging.
Texas TABC Law Firms
Griffith & Hughes PLLC
Location: Arlington, Texas
Website: griffithhughes.com
Phone: 817-562-9648
Griffith & Hughes focuses on TABC matters, handling cases before SOAH, county courts, district courts, and appellate courts in Texas. The firm concentrates on alcoholic beverage regulatory matters and is located near the TABC’s Dallas/Fort Worth Regional Office.
Practice Focus:
- TABC license applications and transfers
- Violation defense and administrative hearings
- Emergency suspension orders
- Dram shop defense
- Comptroller mixed beverage audits
Monshaugen & Van Huff, P.C.
Location: Houston, Texas
Website: texasliquorlaw.com
Phone: 713-880-2992
Monshaugen & Van Huff focuses on liquor law matters, representing hospitality industry clients throughout Texas. The firm provides representation for TABC licensing and permitting, dram shop defense, liquor tax audit representation, and criminal liquor code violation defense.
Practice Focus:
- TABC licensing and permitting
- Dram shop defense
- Liquor tax audit representation
- TABC administrative case defense
- Criminal liquor code violations
Martin Frost & Hill
Location: Austin, Texas
Website: mfhliquorlaw.com
Phone: 512-473-0300
Martin Frost & Hill focuses on alcoholic beverage permitting and compliance, representing retailers, distilleries, wineries, breweries, and importers across Texas and the United States. The firm’s attorneys have worked at TABC, at the Texas Capitol, and in the industry, giving them unique perspective on regulatory matters. They handle TABC retail permits for every type of retail business including restaurants, convenience stores, hotels, package stores, music venues, arenas, and temporary events.
Practice Focus:
- TABC retail and manufacturing permits
- Federal TTB permitting
- Advertising and marketing compliance
- Regulatory strategy and rule drafting
- Multi-state expansion guidance
Costs and Fees
License applications typically run $1,500 to $5,000 as flat fees depending on permit type and complexity. Violation defense ranges from $2,000 for simple settlements to $25,000 or more for contested SOAH hearings. Dram shop litigation usually bills hourly at $300 to $500 per hour. Emergency suspension matters carry premium rates given the urgent timeline. Comptroller audit representation varies based on assessment amount and complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I handle a TABC violation without an attorney?
You can represent yourself, but penalties accumulate on your compliance history and affect future renewals. An attorney may negotiate outcomes that protect your long-term license status. The cost of representation is typically far less than the business impact of a suspension or additional violations. Serious violations like selling to minors can result in license cancellation, making professional defense essential.
How long do TABC hearings take?
From citation to final SOAH decision typically takes six to twelve months. Emergency suspension hearings occur within 10 days. The timeline depends on case complexity, hearing schedules, and whether settlement discussions resolve the matter. Appeals to district court can add additional months or years to the process.
Do I need an attorney for a license application?
For straightforward applications, some business owners navigate the AIMS portal themselves. If your situation involves ownership complexity, prior violations, location in a wet/dry boundary area, or local option questions, professional help reduces denial risk and speeds the process. Protests from neighbors or community groups may also require legal representation to resolve.
What is an emergency suspension order?
TABC can immediately suspend a license when there is an imminent threat to public safety, such as violent incidents at the establishment or repeated serious violations. Emergency suspensions take effect immediately, and license holders have the right to a hearing within 10 days. These situations require immediate legal response to challenge the suspension and protect the business. Griffith & Hughes PLLC in Arlington specifically handles TABC emergency suspension orders and is located in the same building as the TABC’s Dallas/Fort Worth Regional Office.
Can selling hemp products affect my TABC license?
Yes. Sale of consumable hemp products, including hemp-derived THC products, to minors can result in TABC enforcement action against your liquor license. Recent cases have resulted in license suspension or revocation for non-compliant sales, even when the primary violation involved hemp rather than alcohol. Establishments holding TABC permits should ensure staff training covers age verification for all regulated products.
Last Updated: January 2026
Disclaimer: This directory is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, endorsement, or recommendation of any attorney or law firm. Information about attorneys and law firms was compiled from publicly available sources and may not be current or accurate. We make no representations or warranties about the qualifications, experience, or quality of any attorney listed. Fee estimates are approximations only and actual costs may vary significantly. Always verify attorney credentials with the State Bar of Texas, confirm current contact information, and conduct your own due diligence before hiring legal counsel. No attorney-client relationship is created by use of this directory.