TABC Caterer's Permit (CB) + Catering Certificate per event: Austin restaurant guide

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission

What it is

A subordinate permit that lets a Mixed Beverage Permit holder sell and serve alcohol at catered events away from its licensed premises, in areas where mixed-beverage sales are legal. Before each event you file a catering certificate (event location, dates, times, description) and post it at the venue.

When a restaurant needs it

Off-site catering with alcohol — only available to MB holders (a Wine & Malt Beverage Retailer's (BG) permit has no caterer's add-on).

How to apply

Add the Caterer's Permit to your MB in AIMS; then request a catering certificate at least 10 business days before each event (late requests pay expedite fees of $300–$900).

Documents you’ll need

Active Mixed Beverage Permit
Catering certificate request per event (location, dates, times, diagram if partial venue)
Property-owner permission and local approvals for the event

Fee

Varies — the Caterer's Permit fee is not shown on TABC's 2021 two-year fee chart; confirm in AIMS. Catering certificate expedite fees $300–$900 if filed late

Processing time

With or after the MB; certificates at least 10 business days before each event

Renewal

Every 2 years with the MB

Who files

Filed by the permit holder or its authorized representative (TABC form L-AR) in AIMS.

Good to know

A certificate may not cover more than 10 consecutive days. Cities and counties may charge a local fee of up to half the state fee. If you only hold a BG (beer and wine), you cannot cater alcohol off-site.

Official source

TABC — catering certificate request packet · TABC — Caterer's Permit (CB) overview

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.