Yer Officially All Wet, Dallas! TABC Has Issued the First Wave of New Beer, Wine Permits.

This just in from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission: As promised, the agency has begun issuing permits to retailers looking to sell beer and wine in previously dry parts of town. So far, it ain't a lot, as just three stores have been given their off-premise permits in the last couple of days: the C-Store No. 11 at 13207 Maham Road, the 7-Eleven at 2120 Greenville Avenue and Ha's Discount Tobacco City at 1294 E. Ledbetter Drive. (As one Friend of Unfair Park reminds, that Greenville Ave. location wasn't dry. It was just a re-submit following its cross-the-street move.) But more are on the way, promises the release, which follows in full and does indeed address the pending litigation set for a January 18 hearing.

But before that, a small sip:

There are approximately 10 pending applications for a mixed beverage permit at a restaurant with a food and beverage certificate and approximately 140 pending applications for a wine and beer off-premises permit. These permits are expected to be issued between now and mid-January as each qualified application completes the process.

TABC Issues Permits in City of Dallas

For Immediate Release: December 22, 2010

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) has begun to issue permits in previously dry areas in the City of Dallas, following a November local option election.

On November 2, 2010, a local option was held, legalizing wine and beer off-premises and mixed beverage permits in restaurants that hold a food and beverage certificate. Those votes were canvassed and the results certified and reported to TABC and the Secretary of State in mid-November. TABC accepts applications only after they have been certified by the city and county.

Although a lawsuit has been filed to contest the election, TABC has not received any order from a judge telling TABC to stay the issuance of any permit otherwise qualified as a result of the election. Therefore, at this time, permits are being issued as qualified applications are received and processed by TABC.

It is very difficult for TABC to determine which permit is located in previously dry areas of Dallas and which are in areas that were already wet. For that reason, the following information includes applications for new permits in the entire City of Dallas.

Three wine and beer retailer's off-premise permits have been issued:

C Store No. 11 at 13207 Maham Road - issued on 12/16/10
7-11 Convenience Store at 2120 Greenville Avenue - issued on 12/16/10
Ha's Discount Tobacco City at 1294 E. Ledbetter Drive - issued on 12/22/10

Two mixed beverage permits in restaurants with a food and beverage certificate have been issued:

Bee at 202 West Davis Street - issued on 12/22/10
The Olive Garden Italian Restaurant at 9079 Vantage Point Drive - issued on 12/22/10

There are approximately 10 pending applications for a mixed beverage permit at a restaurant with a food and beverage certificate and approximately 140 pending applications for a wine and beer off-premises permit. These permits are expected to be issued between now and mid-January as each qualified application completes the process.

On the business day a new permit is issued, the holder will be able to obtain a "Letter of Authority" from the TABC office located in Arlington, which will allow them to begin buying and selling alcoholic beverages immediately. The physical permit will be mailed to the holder on the following business day.

The public can access a list of new permits or pending applications using the Public Inquiry System on TABC's website <http://www.tabc.state.tx.us/public_inquiry> . The public inquiry system is updated around 5 a.m. Monday-Saturday, so newly issued permits can be viewed on-line the morning after they are issued.