Advisories

TABC releases marketing practices guidance for the alcoholic beverage industry so that the law is interpreted and applied consistently across the state. These advisories reflect our staff’s opinions on questions we receive. We review these opinions and issue new advisories when statutes, situations and industry trends change.

Take a look at our archive of marketing practices advisories and subscribe to our mailing list to receive advisories by email.

View all news

Advisory

June 24, 2020

Limits on Merchandising Services Provided to Off-Premise Retailers

MPA063 — We know how important it is for you to keep up with the state’s alcohol regulations. TABC provides advisories to keep you informed. This guidance outlines the limits on what a licensed distributor or wholesaler is legally allowed to do at certain businesses. For this advisory, the term “distributors” also includes wholesalers.

Advisory

Jan 14, 2020

Alcohol Delivery to Consumers from Certain Retailers

MPA061 — In 2019, the 86th Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 1450, which created two separate paths authorizing certain retailers to deliver alcohol directly to consumers.

Advisory

Jan 6, 2020

Outdoor Advertising Regulations

MPA062 — In 2019, the 86th Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1545, also known as the Sunset Bill. In addition to many other changes, the legislation eliminated several outdoor advertising restrictions and the prohibition on placing billboards within 200 feet of a retailer’s location.

Advisory

July 2, 2019

BYOB – Manufacturing Tier Facilities

MPA059 — This Advisory addresses the question of whether alcohol manufacturers can allow members of the public, including unlicensed/unpermitted entities, to bring alcoholic beverages onto the premises for their own consumption. Under certain conditions, this practice is allowed.

Advisory

March 21, 2019

Self-Pour Systems

MPA058 — This Advisory addresses the question of whether a retailer may lawfully operate self-pour systems that allow customers to pour their own drinks. Under certain conditions described below, this practice is allowed.

Advisory

March 21, 2019

Permitted Golf Courses Licensed Under a Single Address and Ownership

MPA057 — This Advisory addresses the issue of licensing or permitting a golf course. Specifically, the Advisory addresses those situations where a golf course includes buildings, fairways, and greens that are separated by residential or through streets.

Advisory

June 20, 2013

Wine Shipping and Third Party Advertisers/Payment Processing Services

MPA056 — This Advisory addresses the provision by unlicensed third parties of advertising and payment processing services for holders of winery and direct shipper permits selling wine directly to consumers.

Advisory

June 13, 2013

Wine Shipping Calendar Calculation

MPA055 — The purpose of this advisory is to explain the Commission staff’s understanding of the word “annually” in sections 16.01(a)(5)(B) and 54.02(4) of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code.

Advisory

March 6, 2013

Credit Law Requirements

MPA054 — This bulletin is intended to announce recent amendments to 16 TAC 45.121 Credit Law Requirements. The rule became effective March 1, 2013.

Advisory

Sept 19, 2012

Market Research Guidelines

MPA051 — The Commission has received multiple requests to re-examine its Market Research Guidelines set forth in Marketing Practices Bulletin MPB020. MPB020 was written in an effort to prevent a disorderly market resulting from on-premise taste comparison promotions and research.