Permits for a Bar / Nightclub in Mcallen, Texas

Authorizes the retail sale of malt beverages (beer) only for on-premises consumption. Suitable for beer bars, taprooms, and similar establishments that serve only beer.

Authorizes the holder to sell and serve mixed beverages (liquor, beer, and wine) for on-premises consumption. Required for bars and restaurants serving cocktails and spirits in Texas.

Authorizes the sale of liquor, wine, and malt beverages for off-premises consumption. Required for dedicated liquor stores in Texas. Cannot sell for on-premises consumption.

Authorizes the retail sale of wine and malt beverages (beer) for on-premises consumption. Suitable for restaurants and bars that do not intend to serve distilled spirits.

Authorizes the sale of wine only for off-premises consumption. For wine shops and specialty retailers that do not sell distilled spirits or beer.

Required under Texas Business & Commerce Code Chapter 71 for any business operating under a name other than the legal name of the owner or entity. Incorporated entities file with the Secretary of State; sole proprietorships and general partnerships file with the county clerk.

General business license required for all businesses operating within McAllen city limits. Registers the business with the municipality for local tax and regulatory purposes. Must be obtained before commencing operations.

Texas does not require a state-level general business license, but many municipalities require a local business operating permit or license to conduct business within city limits. Requirements and fees vary significantly by city.

While issued by the IRS (not a Texas permit), an EIN is a prerequisite for most Texas permits and registrations, including the sales tax permit, TWC unemployment tax registration, and TABC licensing. Required for any business with employees, operating as a corporation or partnership, or withholding taxes.

Texas employers must register with TWC within 10 days of becoming liable. Liability is triggered when an employer pays $1,500+ in wages in a calendar quarter or has at least one employee in 20 different calendar weeks. Employers report wages and pay unemployment tax quarterly on the first $9,000 of each employee's annual wages.

Texas is the only state that does not require employers to carry workers' compensation insurance. However, employers who choose NOT to carry coverage (non-subscribers) must file DWC Form-005 with the Texas Department of Insurance Division of Workers' Compensation annually between February 1 and April 30, within 30 days of hiring the first employee, and within 10 days of terminating existing WC coverage.

A Certificate of Occupancy confirms that a building or space meets all applicable building codes, fire codes, zoning regulations, and is safe for occupancy for the intended use. Required for new construction, change of use/occupancy classification, or significant renovations.

A fire marshal inspection is required before occupancy and typically annually thereafter. The fire marshal verifies fire suppression systems, emergency exits, fire extinguishers, electrical safety, and maximum occupancy compliance. Required for all public assembly and food/beverage establishments.

Required for establishments that anticipate or operate at an occupancy of 50 or more persons, particularly those whose gross sales are 51% or more alcohol. Ensures compliance with fire safety, egress requirements, and maximum occupancy limits for public assembly spaces.

Each retail food establishment must have at least one Certified Food Manager on-site during all hours of operation. The CFM must pass an ANSI-CFP accredited or DSHS-approved food safety certification exam.

All food employees must complete a DSHS-accredited or ANAB-accredited food handler training course within 60 days of employment. The establishment must maintain proof of certification on premises for each food employee.

Before a food establishment permit is issued, and periodically thereafter, the local health authority or DSHS conducts inspections to verify compliance with the Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER, 25 TAC Chapter 228). Inspections occur at initial opening and at least annually.

Required for any establishment that handles, prepares, stores, or serves food to the public. Issued by DSHS or the local health department/public health district, depending on jurisdiction. Fees are tiered by gross annual food sales volume.

Required by most Texas municipalities for erecting, modifying, or replacing outdoor business signage. Regulations vary by city, with specific rules governing sign size, height, illumination, placement, and proximity to roadways. Some cities have additional historic district or downtown overlay restrictions.

Required for installing, replacing, or modifying exterior business signage within McAllen. Must comply with the city sign ordinance covering size, height, illumination, and placement. Applications typically require scaled drawings.

Establishments holding a mixed beverage permit from TABC must register with the Comptroller for both Mixed Beverage Gross Receipts Tax (6.7%) and Mixed Beverage Sales Tax (8.25%). This is in addition to the standard sales tax permit and is specific to on-premises alcohol sales.

All taxable entities formed or doing business in Texas (corporations, LLCs, LPs, LLPs) must file an annual franchise tax report by May 15. Sole proprietorships (non-LLC) and certain general partnerships are exempt. For report years 2026+, no tax is due if total revenue is at or below $2.65 million, but a Public Information Report (PIR) or Ownership Information Report (OIR) must still be filed.

Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Texas, including food, beverages, and retail items. Must be obtained before opening. There is no fee for the permit, but a security bond may be required. The permit must be displayed at each place of business.

Required when a bar, brewery, winery, or restaurant use is not permitted by right in the property's zoning district but may be allowed with conditions. The SUP/CUP process involves a public hearing, notice to adjacent property owners within 200 feet, and city council or zoning board approval. Particularly common for bars and breweries in commercial districts.

A letter or certificate from the local zoning/planning department confirming that the proposed business use is permitted under the property's current zoning classification. Often required as part of the CO application or TABC licensing process.