Texas

• 1/1/2015 last updated

Texas does not allow residents to legally own a still regardless of it’s use without having a commercial distilling license. Since any still that could be used for distilling water, essential oils, etc. “capable of manufacturing illicit beverages” this would imply any still, regardless of if its use could be illgal.

Sec. 103.01. ILLICIT BEVERAGES PROHIBITED.

No person may possess, manufacture, transport, or sell an illicit beverage.

Sec. 103.01. ILLICIT BEVERAGES PROHIBITED.

Sec. 103.02. EQUIPMENT OR MATERIAL FOR MANUFACTURE OF ILLICIT BEVERAGES. No person may possess equipment or material designed for, capable of use for, or used in manufacturing an illicit beverage.

Individuals can manufacture ethanol fuel if they apply for a permit. I am unsure if this permit requires a distillery license or not, but you will need to contact your county to see if the permit is allowed in your area.
Local Industrial Producers Permit

Texas does offer a basic distillers license for commercial manufacture of spirits.
Texas licenses

There are several licenses you need to request to legally manufacture spirits. Below are the federal licenses only. Additional state requirements will need to be followed as well.

You must submit a request for a license to manufacture spirits: TTB 5110.41 Basic permit.

This license only allows you to produce spirits. You also need a license for the distilling equipment / distillery: TTB 5100.24 Distilled spirit plant

For manufacturing ethanol fuel you will need to submit a request for a TTB 5110.74 for a federal license.

Texas does not allow residents to legally own a still regardless of it’s use without having a commercial distilling license. Since any still that could be used for distilling water, essential oils, etc. “capable of manufacturing illicit beverages” this would imply any still, regardless of if its use could be illgal.

Sec. 103.01. ILLICIT BEVERAGES PROHIBITED.

No person may possess, manufacture, transport, or sell an illicit beverage.

Sec. 103.01. ILLICIT BEVERAGES PROHIBITED.

Sec. 103.02. EQUIPMENT OR MATERIAL FOR MANUFACTURE OF ILLICIT BEVERAGES. No person may possess equipment or material designed for, capable of use for, or used in manufacturing an illicit beverage.

Current federal laws allow citizens the right to own a still and operate it for non-alcohol production.

This means legally you can:

• Own, manufacture, sell or be in possession of a still.
• Distill water
• Produce essential oils or other non-alcohol liquids
• Fuel production is legal federally with the correct licenses.

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