TABC Food and Beverage Certificate (FB): Austin restaurant guide
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
What it is
Add-on certificate for MB, BG or BE holders that either keep alcohol sales at 60% or less of gross receipts, or qualify as a 'restaurant' (own permanent food service facility with commercial cooking equipment that prepares and offers multiple entrées).
When a restaurant needs it
Almost every restaurant that serves alcohol should get it.
How to apply
Request it in AIMS with your MB or BG application; submit menu, floor plan separating food and alcohol areas and equipment list.
Documents you’ll need
- Menu with prices (multiple entrées)
- Floor plan showing food prep/service vs. alcohol areas
- Kitchen equipment list
Good to know
FB exempts you from the conduct bond, from the red '51%' handgun sign, and from Austin's 300-ft daycare/child-care distance prohibition. Food must be available whenever alcohol is served; keep daily sales splits and alcohol invoices for 4 years.
Official source
TABC — Food & Beverage Certificate guide · TABC — license and permit types
Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.