Since February 2021, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) has engaged in an active email campaign informing stakeholders of major reforms the agency will be implementing this year. Most of these changes go into effect on September 1, 2021, but implementation involves an altered licensing process during the July–September time frame. Hoteliers that operate with any type of TABC license or permit should review the forthcoming changes for any impact to your business.
Before Sept. 1, 2021
TABC will alter the licensing process and timelines to ensure a smooth transition to TABC’s new online Alcohol Industry Management System (AIMS) and the new licensing structure.
On Sept. 1, 2021
Major changes effective September 1 include implementation of:
* New, simplified licensing structure and fees. To determine the impact on your business, TABC has created a chart showing how certain current licenses will change and be merged into a new license structure.
See chart: Sept. 1, 2021 License Consolidation Explained.
For most businesses, the new structure means their licenses will have a different name, additional authorities will be included in the license, or there won’t be any changes. These businesses should keep in mind the following things:
- Be aware of the changes in the License Consolidation Explained chart.
- Access AIMS based on your scheduled onboarding date shown in the Technology Changes page.
- TABC will not print or send a new license to you, but you must print your new license once you access AIMS.
* New online Alcohol Industry Management System (AIMS)that all license and permit holders will use to do their business with TABC anytime and anywhere.
* New regulations for malt beverages (formerly beer and ale), streamlining regulations.
Ultimately, the agency’s changes will increase efficiency for business’s interactions with TABC and make things easier, but THLA is helping TABC proactively inform hoteliers of the coming changes so operators in our industry can plan accordingly over the next few months.
For reference, below are two links to TABC’s transition emails sent thus by the agency far. Note: You should have already received these two emails if you are a current license/permit holder with TABC and/or are signed up for TABC’s Industry Notifications email list:
- Transition Email #1 – Changes to License Application Process This Summer
- Transition Email #2 – Changes to Your License on Sept. 1 and What To Do
For the latest and best updates, please visit TABC’s 2021 Changes website that provides complete information regarding license consolidation and license/permit types. As always, THLA will keep members informed of any lodging industry-specific news from the agency.