How to Start a Bar in Texas

Are you thinking about opening up a bar in Texas? If so, there are certain things you need to consider before you can get your new business off the ground.

Many Texas communities love having bars within them. They exude a homey atmosphere, and the patrons are usually friends, neighbors, and coworkers. So it’s certainly a good idea to set up a local watering hole in your Texas community. Your friends and neighbors will flock to it in droves and enjoy the friendly atmosphere, great music, live bands, dancing, and everything else you have to offer.

No matter what type of bar you decide to start, just know there are certain things you need to consider before you can get this up, running, and off the ground. We’ll share our favorite tips for starting a bar in Texas with you right now.

1. Do Not Open a Bar without Creating a Business Plan First

If you’re truly serious about opening up a bar, you must create a rock-solid business plan first. If you fail to put this plan in place, you will have a difficult time achieving the level of success you intend to create.

Without a plan, you will not know you’re operating hours, the types of alcohol you plan to sell, how much cash flow you’re going to make over the next three years, and many other important details a future business owner needs to know.

Did you know you’re only allowed to serve alcohol in Texas from 7 AM to 1 AM in most counties? But there are a few counties that allow you to serve alcohol until 2 AM. So depending on where you plan on locating your bar, this is important information you’ll need to know. It’s something you should discover during your business plan phase.

According to MVHTexasLiquorLaw.com, Texas liquor license attorneys, you have to understand the ins and outs of your liquor license. If you do not, you may find yourself liable for a potential lawsuit, which is something you’d obviously rather avoid.

2. Finding the Right Location for Your Bar in Texas

Believe it or not, you may think it’s better to open a bar when no other competition is in sight. You may think it’s best to find a completely vacant location for your new bar. This is actually a bad idea for a number of different reasons.

For starters, you want to benefit from the advertising another bar already has in place. By choosing a location near another bar in the area, you’ll get to piggyback on their current advertising, which is certainly a good thing for a brand-new bar just starting out.

Second, choosing a location near an existing bar will be good for both of you. You’ll create more interest for bar patrons in the area and more people will get excited about going out to drink in your part of town. It may seem counterintuitive at first, but you should certainly consider choosing a location next to an existing bar.

According to Plumfund, which offers free funding sites, if you’re having a tough time paying for advertising for your new Texas bar you could always set up a crowdfunding campaign to pay for certain expenses as you build your business.

3. Get a Liquor License from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission

When applying for a liquor license, make sure you get a mixed beverage permit so you can serve mixed drinks as well as beer, wine, malt liquor and ale. Also, if you plan on serving food, you’ll need to get the proper food and beverage certificate to make this happen, so look into it as well.

Conclusion

Please use these three suggestions to make it easier on yourself when you’re ready to start a bar in Texas.