Statement from Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission Executive Director on the Texas Senate's Unanimous Approval of the TABC Sunset Bill

Background: The Texas Senate on May 22 unanimously approved a bill continuing the operations of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for the next 12 years. The bill was part of TABC's Sunset review process, which began in 2018 under the leadership of Sunset Committee chairman Senator Brian Birdwell and vice-chair Representive Chris Paddie.

The bill calls for several major changes to the agency and to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code which are expected to modernize several aspects of the state's alcohol regulations. The text of the Sunset bill (House Bill 1545) can be viewed on the Texas Legislature's  website.

An earlier version of the Sunset bill was approved by the Texas House of Representatives on April 26. A conference committee of House and Senate members will now meet to reconcile difference in the two bills. Once the combined bill is approved by both chambers, it will be sent to Governor Greg Abbott to be signed into law.

"Last night's unanimous approval of the Sunset bill by the Texas Senate marks a historic occasion, both for TABC, the alcoholic beverage industry and for the people we serve. Thanks to the leadership of our elected lawmakers in the House and Senate, a number of long-anticipated changes to the Alcoholic Beverage Code are nearing the finish line.

The Sunset Bill is historic because it is arguably the most significant modernization of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code since it was written in 1935. Two major components of the bill include the proposal to reduce the number of permit types by one half and collapse the "beer" and "ale" beverage designations into one category called "malt beverage" while applying a single set of rules and taxes to the new category.

This dramatic modernization of alcohol policy will enable all industry members to more easily grow their businesses in new and innovative ways while giving TABC the authority we need in order to ensure a safe and competitive playing field for all.

Ultimately, it's the people of Texas who stand to benefit the most from these historic changes. We owe our thanks to the leadership of Chairman Birdwell, Chairman Paddie, the Sunset Advisory Committee, our Industry partners and the rest of the Legislature. We look forward to working with Governor Abbott and our leaders in the Legislature to implement the changes outlined in TABC's Sunset bill, once it is ultimately signed into law."

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