Stage 7 of 7 · Renewing
TABC License Renewal After Violation: What You Need to Know
In this guide
A violation on the record does not by itself stop a renewal. What can stop one is a ground for denial that the Alcoholic Beverage Code lists for renewal applications, such as a conviction for a Code violation within the past two years, unpaid taxes, fees, or penalties owed to the state, or, for an on-premises permit, a license held by the applicant or the premises owner that was cancelled or not renewed because of a violent act within the past three years. The renewal itself follows TABC’s ordinary window: no earlier than 30 days before the expiration date, and no later than 30 days after it with a late fee.
The renewal window
TABC’s renewals page sets the timing, as of October 2, 2026:
- Earliest: “You may renew your license up to 30 days before the license expiration date.”
- Late: a business may renew up to 30 days after the expiration date by paying a late fee.
- Operating after expiration: “a business must stop licensed activities after the expiration date unless a renewal application with fees is pending with TABC.”
- Too late: renewals cannot be submitted more than 30 days after expiration; “an original (new) application and fees must be submitted.”
The same page states that a license cannot be renewed until all local fees and taxes are paid, and it tells businesses to confirm with the local tax collector that they are paid before renewing.
Grounds that can block a renewal
Section 11.46(a) of the Code lets TABC deny “an original or renewal permit” when it has reasonable grounds to believe and finds that one of the listed circumstances exists. The grounds that connect to violation history are:
| Ground in Section 11.46(a) | What it covers |
|---|---|
| (1) | A conviction in court for violating the Code during the two years before the application |
| (3) | A violation of the Code or TABC rules involving moral turpitude, "as distinguished from a technical violation," during the six months before the application |
| (4) | Failing to answer, or falsely or incorrectly answering, a question in the application |
| (5) | Being indebted to the state for taxes, fees, or penalties imposed by the Code or TABC rules |
| (8) | The place or manner in which the business may be conducted warrants denial, based on the general welfare, health, peace, morals, and safety of the people and the public sense of decency |
Other sections add specific bars:
- Violent acts. Under Section 11.481, TABC “shall deny” an original or renewal application for an on-premises permit if, during the three years before the application was filed, a license or permit held by the applicant, the owner of the premises, or an officer of the premises owner was cancelled or not renewed because of “a shooting, stabbing, or other violent act.” The section does not apply to a location that holds a Food and Beverage Certificate but not a late hours certificate.
- Delinquent property taxes. Under Section 11.38(e), TABC may cancel or deny a retail permit when the holder or applicant has not paid delinquent property taxes on the premises or on the business operated there.
All of these are in Chapter 11 of the Alcoholic Beverage Code, which governs permits. For beer licenses such as a BE, the parallel grounds for denial are in Sections 61.42 and 61.43.
How violation history can change the permit term
Section 11.09(d) allows TABC, by rule, to set a one-year term for an individual permit holder because of the holder’s violation history, which means renewing every year.
Resolving open matters before renewing
The renewal requirements tie directly to money owed. Unpaid civil penalties count as a debt to the state under Section 11.46(a)(5), and unpaid local fees and taxes block renewal under TABC’s renewals page. Paying what is owed, and keeping the receipts, removes those grounds before the renewal is filed.
If TABC denies the renewal
Under Section 11.43, when TABC finds a legal ground to deny an application, the applicant can request a hearing at the State Office of Administrative Hearings. After the commission’s final order, the applicant can seek rehearing and then judicial review.
TABC’s renewals page states the general rule quoted above and does not separately address a renewal that is denied and contested.
This article is general information about Texas alcoholic beverage law, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Statutes and TABC rules change; confirm current requirements with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, the relevant city or county, or a licensed Texas attorney before acting.