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Boerne to stop issuing city alcohol licenses after state law change; council approves fee ordinance
Summary
Following a change in state law (Senate Bill 1008), Boerne will stop issuing and renewing city alcohol premise fees that duplicate county or state permits; council approved a revised fee ordinance on second reading.
The Boerne City Council on Sept. 9 approved an ordinance repealing and replacing the city's fee schedule and addressed a change in state law that affects local alcohol licensing.
Sarah Buckalew, a city staff member presenting the ordinance, told council that effective Sept. 1, 2025, Senate Bill 1008 prevents a city from charging a premises fee under the Alcoholic Beverage Code if the premise has already paid a similar fee to operate. Buckalew said the city cross-checked county food permits and found every licensed establishment already holds a county food permit, which the new state law treats as a similar charge.
"As of 09/01/2025 under Senate Bill 1008, a city and the state of Texas can no longer charge a premise fee under the Alcohol Beverage Code if the premise has already paid a similar fee to operate," Buckalew said. She said the city will discontinue issuing or renewing the city alcohol beverage license and will notify affected establishments and update the website.
Council approved on second reading ordinance number 2025-13, which repeals and replaces the prior fee ordinance. Councilman Scott moved the ordinance; Councilor Willison seconded the motion. The vote was 5-0.
Why it matters: The change removes a second, local permit fee for businesses that already pay county or state fees and reduces a local administrative renewal requirement. Buckalew said the move aligns Boerne with peer cities and reduces duplicated fees for businesses.
The city will send a letter to affected premises and post guidance on the website about the discontinuation of the city-issued alcohol license; businesses will continue to obtain alcohol licenses through the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) and county food permits where required.
