Alexandra Kanik, San Antonio Express-News
More than 100 Bexar County businesses are taking advantage of TABC’s grace period, which is coming to an end.
bhofack2/Getty Images/iStockphotoA 7-month grace period that has allowed Texas bars and restaurants to continue serving alcohol despite having expired liquor licenses is ending at the beginning of April. If they don’t renew before the end of March, 129 business around Bexar County are at risk of losing their right to serve alcohol.
After an initial drop in liquor sales due to COVID-19 precautions and decreased tourism in the state, alcohol sales across Texas reached all-time highs in 2021.
But Covid has been a rocky time for many businesses. Keeping up with pandemic protocols, maintaining staff and dealing with supply chain issues are just some of the many struggles business owners contended with.
Since 2020, 319 Bexar County bars and alcohol-serving restaurants have either shuttered completely or have stopped selling alcohol. Most establishments that lost their licenses had been slinging drinks for less than 10 years, but more than 10% held their licenses for 20 years or more.
Normally, businesses are required to renew liquor licenses every two years. The current renewal fee is $2,650. If they fail to renew their license by the expiry date, a $100 late fee is assessed. If the license is not renewed within 30 days of expiry, the business must apply for a new license and pay the total new license fee of $5,300.
Throughout the pandemic, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) has instituted various measures to help businesses continue serving up beer, wine and liquor. In May 2020 TABC did away with the $100 late fees, and in Sept. 2021 they instituted a “grace period” that allowed businesses with expired licenses to continue to pour their patrons’ favorite alcoholic beverages.
As of March 27, 129 Bexar County businesses were taking advantage of the grace period, meaning that their licenses have expired or will expire between Sept. 1, 2021 and March 31. 2022.
Bars and restaurants at risk are spread throughout the city, with a concentration surrounding the River Walk.
At-risk businesses still have until Thursday to renew their liquor licenses. If they fail to do so, they will still be able to serve alcohol throughout the month of April as long as they submit renewal forms and pay both the renewal fee and the $100 late fee.
Establishments that do not renew by the end of April will be required to apply for a new license at full cost.
