Divisions

The Audit and Investigations Division mostly consists of auditors who conduct investigations, financial reviews, and inspections during the initial phases of the licensing process. This team also assists the Enforcement Division with its investigations, monitors and regulates cash and credit law, and helps monitor seller training schools to ensure compliance with TABC standards and the Alcoholic Beverage Code. Division personnel also receive, process, and audit monthly excise tax reports to ensure appropriate taxes have been paid and that other reporting requirements are met.

Auditors provide training to permit holders and their employees by request and in response to violations by a permit holder. They promote education and prevention of underage drinking to students through presentations at middle schools, high schools, and universities. Presentations are also given to civic organizations to promote a better understanding of the law and TABC's roles and responsibilities.

The Business Services Division is responsible for all fiscal operations of the agency, including:

• Revenue processing
• Accounts payable
• Payroll
• Time and leaving accounting
• Research and planning
• Preparation and oversight of TABC’s legislative appropriations request, annual financial report and performance reports

The division’s General Services Section is responsible for:

• Purchasing
• Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs)
• Real and personal property management
• Facilities leasing
• Fleet management
• Mail center operations
• Warehousing

TABC's Communications and External Relations Division provides robust, engaging and informative internal and external communications and campaigns to TABC's wide-ranging audience — including industry members, agency staff, legislators, news media and the general public. In addition to the division serving as the lead spokesperson for the agency, its duties include:

• External affairs
• Government relations
• Video production
• Editorial services
• Graphic design
• Web development
• Social media
• Assistance with agency event coordination

TABC’s Enforcement Division is charged with executing the agency’s law enforcement and investigations missions in support of public safety. The division, which employs most of the agency’s commissioned peace officers, acts as the tip of the spear in the agencywide effort to disrupt and dismantle human trafficking in Texas. A distinction between open operations and undercover operations separates the division and unit efforts within Enforcement.

Staff perform both enforcement and compliance functions, which involve criminal and administrative enforcement of the state's alcoholic beverage laws. CPOs inspect premises licensed by TABC and investigate alleged violations of the Alcoholic Beverage Code. Enforcement agents also provide training to permit holders and their employees by request and in response to violations by permit holders. CPOs collaborate with and give presentations to other law enforcement agencies to promote a better understanding of the law and the roles and responsibilities of TABC.

The Human Resources Division manages employment-related policies and programs, including recruitment, selection, benefits and compensation, classification, employee relations, and risk management. Human Resources also manages the ethics and equal employment opportunity programs.

The Innovation and Technology Division (ITD) is responsible for developing and maintaining the core technology applications for the agency. ITD establishes and supports the technology infrastructure that facilitates agency operations and is charged with researching and analyzing new technologies to solve business problems and increase efficiencies across the agency.

The Legal Services Division provides legal counsel and leads prosecution efforts for violations of the Alcoholic Beverage Code. Legal staff represent TABC in administrative hearings, draft rules, and advise agency leadership on rule and policy making. The division manages all open records and litigation for the agency.

The Licensing Division investigates and processes applications for all phases of the industry including the manufacture, product registration, sale, purchase, transportation, storage, and distribution of alcoholic beverages.

Customer service is a priority for the division, as its staff are often the first contact a member of the public has with TABC. Licensing staff must ensure that each applicant qualifies to hold such license or permit and adheres to all applicable regulatory requirements. Licenses and permits are issued for two years. On average, 78,000 licenses and permits are issued each year by the Licensing Division. 

The Office of Inspector General oversees or conducts all internal investigations concerning the conduct of agency employees. The office also oversees the agency’s Training Division, which provides staff development for all TABC employees as well as public education on selling and consuming alcoholic beverages in Texas.

The Border Importation Operations Division is responsible for enforcing personal importation laws and collecting taxes and fees on alcoholic beverages and cigarettes brought into Texas from other countries through the state's ports of entry. Cigarette taxes are collected on behalf of the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

In addition to tax collection, regulatory compliance officers play a vital role in protecting public health and safety by stopping illicit products, which may be harmful for consumption, from entering the Texas market. The officers are stationed at all major bridges along the Texas-Mexico border and at the Galveston seaport.

The Strategic Initiatives and Performance Improvement (SIPI) Division was formed by TABC’s executive director following the regular session of the 86th Legislature in order to implement wholesale changes to the agency as a result of the Sunset process. SIPI is responsible for implementation of legislation, including project management, rulemaking, policy and procedure development and review, as well as evaluation of structures, processes, and programs for efficiency and effectiveness.

The Training Division helps the agency better serve Texans by developing innovative initiatives and maintaining inclusive training for staff, law enforcement and TABC-licensed businesses. By strengthening employee leadership skills and growing partnerships, the division prepares the agency to adapt to new challenges and the growth of the state and the alcoholic beverage industry. Training for TABC agents and other commissioned peace officers keeps up with the latest trends in law enforcement and complies with Texas Commission on Law Enforcement training standards and mandates.

The TABC Training Division also educates law enforcement, agency partners, the public, alcohol retailers and their employees about Texas laws associated with selling and consuming alcoholic beverages. And, the Training team leads the agency’s efforts to prevent underage drinking and driving while intoxicated.