Updated November 5, 2026 · Source: TABC
Quick guide: Out-of-state brewers need a BN. Out-of-state wine and spirits sellers need an S. Full bars usually hold an MB.
These are Texas codes. Every state uses its own. Tennessee's regulator is also called TABC. See every state's alcohol agency.
Producers
| Code | Name | Allows |
|---|---|---|
BW | Brewer's License | Make and import malt beverages |
G | Winery Permit | Make wine, sell to consumers |
D | Distiller's and Rectifier's Permit | Make and blend spirits |
BP | Brewpub License | Brew and sell on premises |
SD | Brewer's Self-Distribution License | Small brewers sell to retailers |
Out-of-state suppliers
| Code | Name | Allows |
|---|---|---|
BN | Nonresident Brewer's License | Sell beer to Texas brewers and distributors |
S | Nonresident Seller's Permit | Sell wine and spirits to Texas importers |
DS | Out-of-State Winery Direct Shipper's Permit | Ship wine to Texas consumers |
FC | Forwarding Center Authority | Hold product at a forwarding center |
Distributors and wholesalers
| Code | Name | Allows |
|---|---|---|
BB | General Distributor's License | Distribute and import beer |
BC | Branch Distributor's License | Extra locations for BB holders |
W | Wholesaler's Permit | Distribute spirits and wine |
X | General Class B Wholesaler's Permit | Distribute wine |
LP | Local Distributor's Permit | Package stores selling to bars |
Retail
| Code | Name | Allows |
|---|---|---|
MB | Mixed Beverage Permit | Spirits, wine and beer on-premise |
BG | Wine and Malt Beverage Retailer's Permit | Wine and beer, on and off premise |
BQ | Wine and Malt Beverage Retailer's Off-Premise Permit | Wine and beer to go |
BE | Retail Dealer's On-Premise License | Beer on-premise |
BF | Retail Dealer's Off-Premise License | Beer to go |
P | Package Store Permit | Spirits, wine and beer to go |
Q | Wine-Only Package Store Permit | Wine and beer to go |
N | Private Club Registration Permit | Service to club members |
Certificates
| Code | Name | Allows |
|---|---|---|
FB | Food and Beverage Certificate | Restaurants or 60% or less alcohol sales |
LH | Late Hours Certificate | Sales from midnight to 2 a.m. |
E | Local Cartage Permit | Local deliveries |
Promotion and logistics
| Code | Name | Allows |
|---|---|---|
PR | Promotional Permit | Tastings for manufacturers |
CD | Consumer Delivery Permit | Retailer-to-consumer delivery |
NT | Nonprofit Temporary Event Permit | Nonprofit events |
J / JD | Bonded Warehouse Permit | Store spirits and wine |
C | Carrier's Permit | Deliver spirits and wine |
ET | Third-Party Local Cartage Permit | In-city transport for others |
TR | Passenger Transportation Permit | Service on planes, buses, boats, trains |
AW | Manufacturer's Agent's Warehousing Permit | Mexican beer stored for export |
FAQ
What does BN mean on a TABC license?
Nonresident Brewer's License. It lets an out-of-state brewer sell malt beverages to Texas brewers (BW) and distributors (BB, BC).
What is the difference between a W and an X permit?
A Wholesaler's Permit (W) covers distilled spirits and wine. A General Class B Wholesaler's Permit (X) covers wine.
What is a TABC Promotional Permit (PR)?
It authorizes product tastings on behalf of manufacturing-tier license and permit holders.
Sources
Summaries, not legal advice. Each permit has conditions not listed here.
