Staying compliant with TABC regulations protects your license, reduces liability exposure, and keeps your business operating smoothly. Many violations result from oversight rather than intentional misconduct. A systematic approach to compliance helps you identify and address issues before TABC does.
This checklist covers the key compliance areas that TABC examines during inspections and that commonly generate citations.
Daily Operations Checklist
These items should be verified every operating day.
Permit and Signage Display
Your TABC permit must be displayed conspicuously on the premises.
Required warning signs must be posted in required locations.
If you have a Food and Beverage Certificate, it should be displayed with your permit.
Any required age verification signs should be visible.
TABC complaint sign must be posted as required by § 31.4(a).
Legal Hours Compliance
Verify that alcohol service starts and stops at legally permitted times.
For on-premises consumption, hours vary by location and license type.
Train staff on exact cutoff times for your specific permit.
Implement last-call procedures to ensure timely compliance.
Remove alcohol from customer access at closing time.
ID Checking Procedures
All servers and bartenders are checking IDs for anyone who appears under 40.
Acceptable ID forms are clearly communicated to staff (driver’s license, passport, military ID).
Staff knows how to identify fake or altered IDs.
ID scanners, if used, are functioning properly.
Refusal procedures are in place for customers without valid ID.
Employee Compliance Checklist
Employee-related compliance is critical because their actions create liability for your license.
Seller/Server Certification
All employees who sell, serve, or handle alcohol are TABC-certified.
New employees are enrolled in certification within their first days.
Certifications are completed within 30 days of hire date.
You have a system to track certification expiration dates.
Recertification is scheduled before certificates expire (valid for 2 years).
You can verify certifications through TABC’s Certificate Inquiry system.
Employee Records
Training records are maintained for all alcohol-serving employees.
Signed acknowledgments of alcohol service policies are on file.
Certification documentation is accessible.
Employment dates are documented to verify 30-day certification compliance.
Manager Certification
Managers who supervise alcohol service are TABC-certified.
This includes shift supervisors and assistant managers.
Certification timeline requirements apply to managers as well.
Written Policies Checklist
Documented policies support safe harbor defense and demonstrate compliance commitment.
Required Policy Topics
ID verification policy. When to check, acceptable forms, how to handle refusals.
Intoxication recognition policy. Signs of intoxication, when to refuse service, cut-off procedures.
Minor prevention policy. Procedures to prevent sales to minors, response if minor attempts purchase.
Incident reporting policy. How employees should report compliance concerns or incidents.
Prohibited hours policy. Clear guidance on service start and stop times.
Policy Documentation
Policies are in writing and accessible to employees.
Each employee has signed acknowledgment of receiving and reading policies.
Policies are reviewed and updated at least annually.
Policy changes are communicated and re-acknowledged by staff.
Policy Enforcement
Violations of policies result in documented disciplinary action.
Enforcement is consistent across all employees.
Serious or repeated policy violations result in termination.
You do not directly or indirectly encourage policy violations.
Physical Premises Checklist
Your physical location must meet TABC requirements.
Licensed Area Compliance
All alcohol sales and consumption occur within the licensed premises area.
You understand the boundaries of your licensed area.
Any areas excluded from the licensed premises (like private living quarters) are properly diagrammed and approved by TABC.
You do not sell or serve alcohol outside your licensed area.
Storage and Inventory
Alcohol is stored securely when not in use.
Inventory is accessible only to authorized employees.
Alcohol deliveries are received during permitted hours.
You purchase alcohol only from authorized distributors.
Records of alcohol purchases are maintained as required.
Premises Condition
The premises is maintained in a condition that does not endanger public safety.
Emergency exits are accessible and properly marked.
The premises meets local health and safety codes.
No conditions exist that would constitute a public nuisance.
Record Keeping Checklist
Proper records support compliance and defense if citations occur.
Required Records
Alcohol purchase invoices from distributors.
Employee training and certification records.
Policy acknowledgment forms.
Incident reports for any compliance-related events.
Record Retention
Records are retained for the period required by TABC rules.
Records are organized and accessible if TABC requests them.
Electronic records are backed up.
Inspection Readiness
Records can be produced promptly if TABC requests them during an inspection.
You know where all compliance-related records are located.
Staff knows how to respond to record requests during inspections.
Inspection Preparation Checklist
Be ready for TABC inspections at any time during operating hours.
Staff Preparation
Staff knows that TABC agents may enter and inspect during business hours.
Staff knows not to refuse or obstruct inspection.
Staff knows to be polite and cooperative but not to volunteer unnecessary information.
Staff knows to contact management immediately when TABC arrives.
A manager or responsible person is always available during operating hours.
Document Accessibility
Permit and required signage are properly displayed.
Employee certification records can be accessed quickly.
Purchase records and invoices are organized.
Written policies can be produced if requested.
Communication Protocol
Staff knows who to contact if TABC conducts an inspection.
After-hours contact information is available.
A procedure exists for documenting what occurs during inspections.
AIMS Account Checklist
Your AIMS account is your portal for TABC compliance.
Account Status
You are fully onboarded to the AIMS system.
Your login credentials are current and accessible.
Multiple authorized persons can access the account if needed.
Contact Information
Primary email address is current and monitored regularly.
Business address is accurate.
Responsible party information is up to date.
You receive and review TABC communications promptly.
Pending Items
You regularly check AIMS for pending actions or notices.
Response deadlines are tracked and met.
Any violations are responded to within required timeframes.
Monthly Review Checklist
Conduct a monthly compliance review to catch issues before they become violations.
Certification Audit
Review all employee certifications for current status.
Identify any certifications expiring in the next 60 days.
Verify new employees completed certification within 30 days.
Policy Review
Confirm policies are still current and appropriate.
Address any policy compliance issues observed during the month.
Update policies if operations or regulations have changed.
Incident Review
Review any incidents from the past month.
Ensure incidents were properly documented.
Verify appropriate follow-up occurred.
Training Assessment
Evaluate whether additional training is needed.
Plan refresher training for any areas of concern.
Document completed training activities.
Annual Compliance Review
Conduct a comprehensive annual review before license renewal.
Complete Policy Audit
Review and update all written policies.
Obtain fresh acknowledgments from all employees.
Ensure policies reflect current TABC rules.
Full Record Review
Verify all required records are complete and accessible.
Organize records for potential inspection.
Destroy records beyond retention requirements appropriately.
Violation History Assessment
Review any violations from the past year.
Evaluate root causes and corrective actions.
Assess whether additional measures are needed.
License Renewal Preparation
Verify all information for renewal is accurate.
Resolve any outstanding issues before renewal.
Submit renewal well before expiration.
This checklist provides general guidance for TABC compliance and is not legal advice. Specific requirements may vary based on your license type, location, and circumstances. Consult TABC rules and regulations for complete requirements, and consider consulting with a qualified Texas attorney who handles TABC matters for compliance guidance specific to your situation.