Alcoholic Beverage Permit

Alcoholic Beverage Permit Application Process 

Submit your TABC application to the City Secretary's office at:

13000 William Dodson Parkway
Farmers Branch, TX  75234
972-919-2503

  • The City Secretary forwards the TABC application to Planning to check for Zoning compliance and Special Use Permits, distance from schools and churches, etc.
  • After approval, the Building Inspector checks the Certificate of Occupancy (CO) to ensure compliance with zoning, fire and health codes before the alcohol sale permit can be approved. A floor plan for restaurants with the CO application is required.
  • Once approved, the TABC application is forwarded to the City Secretary to sign off and emboss it with the City Seal.
  • The applicant is contacted to pick up the original TABC application packet.

You can check the state TABC application requirements on the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission website or contact the TABC Regional Office in Arlington, Texas, at 817-652-5912. 

Minimum Distance & Zoning Requirements

  • 300 feet from a religious institution measured from front door to front door.
  • 300 feet from a public hospital measured from front door to front door.
  • 300 feet from a public or private school measured property line to property line.
  • The sale of beer and wine for off-premise consumption is limited to properties located within the Beer and Wine Sales Overlay District by right and subject to the approval of a specific use permit for properties located within the Light Industrial Zoning District or Planned Development Districts with Light Industrial as a base zoning district unless otherwise prohibited in the PD. Package sales, also called liquor sales, for off-premise consumption are prohibited within the city. Reference the City's Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for more information.
  • On-premise alcohol consumption is limited to restaurants that meet the definition of "qualifying restaurant" as provided in the City's Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance and for properties that have a specific use permit previously approved authorizing on-premise consumption. Additionally, properties located within the City's Alcoholic Beverage (On-Premise) Overlay District or within the City's Entertainment Overlay District are allowed to have on-premise consumption of alcoholic beverages in accordance with requirements specified in the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. 
  • Businesses may find that the City's regulations are more restrictive than allowed by state law. The City is allowed to continue enforcing more restrictive requirements specific to Farmers Branch (and as amended), since the City's alcoholic beverage regulations were adopted before June 11, 1987, as specified in the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code. 
  • Special Use Permits are processed through the Planning and Zoning Department at Farmers Branch City Hall. Contact the Director of Planning at 972-919-2542.