What it is a TABC Survey?
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) survey is performed on a location where alcohol would be served to customers. A Certified TABC survey is a map of the property prepared by a licensed surveyor indicating that the premises satisfy the requirements for selling alcohol. Your TABC license may require a certified survey map of the property prepared by a licensed surveyor which may or may not reflect the locational requirements to sell alcohol.
TABC License and Permit Types | TABC
Who Needs Them?
- New Licenses/Permits: A certified survey map ( TABC survey ) is usually required when you first apply for a new license or permit for a specific location.
- Specific Cities: Major cities like Houston and Dallas enforce this, checking property distances to "protected places" like schools, hospitals, and daycares.
What They Do:
- Verify Distances: The survey, done by a Texas-licensed surveyor, proves the location meets local zoning and state distance requirements for selling alcohol.
- Identify Protected Areas: It highlights nearby sensitive locations (schools, churches, etc.).
Key Points:
- Not Universal: Some cities might do their own checks or have different requirements, but it's a common hurdle.
- Specific Type: It's a special "alcohol measurement survey," not just a standard property survey.
- Local Requirement: It's a city/county requirement for TABC approval, not always a direct TABC-mandated form.
In short: If you're opening a new place in Texas that serves alcohol, especially in a major city, expect to need a professional survey to confirm your location is compliant.
