TABC: You Better Get Your Permit In Before Super Bowl
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission is concerned about the lack of applications for temporary licenses to sell alcohol Super Bowl week.
"I'm concerned that people are waiting until the last minute to do their paperwork" says Captain Robert Cloud, who leads the Enforcement Division of TABC.
As of today the TABC has received seven applications, but Cloud says his office expected to process at least 50 by now.
"It's sale without a permit and they can go to jail for it" says Cloud.
The TABC isn't concerned about events that take place at bars, restaurants and hotel because private party organizers typically utilize the establishment's existing alcohol license.
But Cloud says he's heard about a number of events to be held at locations where no license currently exists and he says organizers need to get their venues established before applying.
Mark Kelcher is among the first to apply and receive a temporary license to sell alcohol at a Super Bowl-related event.
His catering company, Delta Charlie's Bar and Grill, is supplying the drinks for a party hosted by legendary rock star Gene Simmons on February 2nd at Fair Park in Dallas. The Centennial Building at the State Fair is the location and Kelcher says up to 4,000 guests are expected.
"It's a charity event that supports the troops so we wanted to have all our affairs in order prior to the on-rush of everybody trying to get their parties booked" says Kelcher.
Captain Cloud says he hopes other organizers will call the TABC with questions. Undercover agents will be looking for events that do not have the proper license to sell alcohol. He says even if they do not charge for alcohol, if they charge a fee to get into an event, the organizer must have a temporary license.
Cloud says agents will shut down an event if it's in violation of state law. He says doing that could hurt the region's attempts to get the Super Bowl to return to Arlington.
"A black eye on our area could hurt their opportunity to get the bid in 2016. We don't want that. Nobody wants that. That's bad for the whole area" says Cloud.
For more information on the TABC, as well as where to find the application if you need one, click here.
