Skip to main content

Your local TABC

May 23, 2019

Increase in Fiesta Operations Brings Results for Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission

SAN ANTONIO – A citywide push by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission to promote compliance with the state's alcohol laws during San Antonio's Fiesta celebration resulted in multiple criminal and administrative charges.

The charges came as a result of TABC's enhanced efforts to enforce restrictions against sales of alcohol to minors and intoxicated persons as well as other regulatory requirements. The agency deployed additional resources throughout Fiesta and joined forces with local law enforcement officers and alcohol retailers to enhance public safety.

"Events such as Fiesta are critically important, both to Texas' culture and our state's economic success," said Bentley Nettles, TABC Executive Director. "We at TABC take our role as protectors of public safety very seriously. By working with retailers and local law enforcement to keep Fiesta guests safe, we help to ensure a successful event both now and for years to come."

Agents from TABC's San Antonio regional office conducted a total of 172 underage compliance operations during Fiesta, finding a total of 18 locations in violation of selling to minors. Seven of those violations took place at locations with temporary alcohol permits. TABC agents also conducted an additional 100 undercover operations, some with the assistance of local retailers in high-traffic Fiesta locations.

Collectively, agents filed 42 criminal cases and 24 administrative cases mostly consisting of violations related to sale of alcohol to minors, selling alcoholic beverages to intoxicated patrons, minors possessing or attempting to purchase alcohol, public intoxication, and operating during prohibited hours.

San Antonio's Fiesta Week began in 1891 as a way to honor the memory of the battles of the Alamo and San Jacinto. The festival is the city's signature event and contributes more than $200 million to the local economy each year.

Businesses which received a citation will be listed on TABC's Public Inquiry website once the case is concluded.

Media Contact:Chris Porter Public Information Officer (512) 206-3462