A Texas private club license allows nonprofit organizations to serve alcoholic beverages to their members. The organizations simply need to register for a private club permit. This permit, which is granted by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), allows the permit holder to serve drinks to club members in exchange for a small service fee.
This type of activity is often seen in dry counties. By starting a private club, it is possible to serve alcoholic drinks even if the surrounding city or county is dry. In some cases, club members even work with restaurant owners to provide drinks to people who dine at the restaurant.
It is interesting to see how this works. People who come into the restaurant to eat can pay a small fee to become a member of the club. They can then order drinks, paying a small service fee for each beverage. In essence, the service fee for each drink is similar to the cost of buying a drink at a regular bar.
When it comes time to pay the check, the person simply pays their small membership fee and pays all of the service charges for the drinks that they enjoyed. It is kind of a sneaky way to get around the loss of a dry county. However, it is completely legal.
There are certain requirements the club has to meet in order to qualify for one of these permits. These rules are clearly outlined in the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code. Any clubs that do not meet the requirements will not be granted a license. However, as long as a club can comply with all of the requirements, they can typically get approved for a permit, allowing them to start providing alcoholic drinks to their members.
If you are interested in learning more about what you can and can’t do with a Texas private club license, you can reach out to the TABC for more information. They will be happy to provide you with details on what types of clubs can apply and what those clubs can do after they obtain a permit.
If you are thinking of applying for one of these permits, it is worth working with someone who is knowledgeable about the process. A single misstep could wind up getting your application denied. By seeking advice from someone who knows the process inside and out, you can improve your chances of getting approved.
