TABC Code and Rules

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code is made up of the guiding laws for the alcoholic beverage industry and passed by the Texas State Legislature. 

TABC’s Administrative Rules are created in an open and transparent process. Texas law gives TABC the ability to make the rules necessary to carry out the statutes adopted by lawmakers. Like other state agencies, TABC’s rules then become part of the Texas Administrative Code (Title 16, Part 3).

You can view the Code in the first link below by choosing "Alcoholic Beverage Code" in the Select Code dropdown menu. Then you can filter by chapter and section.

You can also view the entire Code text in the linked PDF document below. Because of how long the Code is, it might take a moment to download it.

You can view the TABC Rules by chapter and section on the Secretary of State's site. You can also view them in one PDF. Because of how long the Rules are, it might take a moment to download them.

1. Agency staff drafts a rule.
2. Staff usually holds a stakeholder meeting open to the public to gather feedback.
3. Commission votes on publishing the proposed rule for comment.
4. Proposed rule published in the Texas Register.
5. For 30 days after publication, members of the public can file written comments with the agency.
6. Staff holds a public hearing and receives oral comments.
7. Commission votes on adoption of rule.
8. Adopted rule published in Texas Register.
9. Rule becomes effective.

This process is also followed for rule amendments and repeals. Throughout the process, staff may revise rules based on public feedback. A rule may repeat a step in certain instances, such as being tabled at a commission meeting to be sent to another stakeholder meeting to incorporate additional feedback.

A calendar of stakeholder meetings, commission meetings and public hearings is maintained on the TABC Agency Meetings and Events page. You can also sign up to receive email notifications by registering for the Industry Notifications email list through the agency's Social Media and Email Signup page.

At the March 25, 2025, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission meeting, the board voted to adopt and repeal multiple rules:

• Amendment to 16 TAC §50.24. Seller Server School Certificates and Requirements. See full description.
• Amendments to TABC Rules Chapter 33: Licensing
  • 16 TAC §33.2. Application and Fee Payment Procedures,
  • 16 TAC §33.23. License and Permit Fees,
  • 16 TAC §33.44. Excise Tax Bonds,
  • 16 TAC §33.45. Bonds for Alternating Brewery Proprietorships and Contract Brewing Arrangements,
  • 16 TAC §33.57. Application Withdrawn,
  • 16 TAC §33.75. Penalties and Suspension,
  • 16 TAC §33.93. Notification Requirements,
  • 16 TAC §33.100. General Provisions,
  • 16 TAC §33.103. Notice and Opportunity for Hearing, and
  • 16 TAC §33.104. Contents of Emergency Order. See full description.
• Repeal of Rules in TABC Rules Chapter 33: Licensing
  • 16 TAC §33.101. Authority of the Executive Director, and
  • 16 TAC §33.105. Appeals of Emergency Orders. See full description.
• Amendments to TABC Rules Chapter 45: Marketing Practices
  • 16 TAC §45.9. Withdrawal of Application,
  • 16 TAC §45.11. When Reapplication is Required,
  • 16 TAC §45.12. Application Procedures During Interruption of Federal Agency Operations,
  • 16 TAC §45.20. Exhibiting Certificates to Representatives of the Commission,
  • 16 TAC §45.23. Alteration of Labels,
  • 16 TAC §45.30. Certificates of Registration for a Distilled Spirit Product,
  • 16 TAC §45.40. Certificate of Registration for a Malt Beverage Product,
  • 16 TAC §45.50. Certificate of Registration for Wine, and
  • 16 TAC §45.105. Advertising. See full description.

Additional Information

The most current version of TABC’s (and other agencies') administrative rules are maintained on the Secretary of State website.

If you have questions about rules or commission action on rules, contact Amada Clopton, Office of General Counsel, at (512) 206-3492 or amada.clopton@tabc.texas.gov.