TABC Operations To Identify Retailers Selling Alcohol to Minors Now Under Way

AUSTIN — Agents from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission are in liquor stores, bars, beaches and other locations where alcohol is sold throughout March as part of the agency’s annual spring break alcohol enforcement operations.

The operations identify locations where alcohol is sold to minors in violation of state law. Planned activities for 2022 include underage compliance operations, in which TABC agents accompany a minor who attempts to buy alcohol, as well as increased patrols at popular spring break locations such as South Padre Island and Austin’s South by Southwest music festival.

“A single alcohol-related death during spring break is one too many. That’s why our agents will be out in force throughout March to identify locations selling alcohol to minors,” said Bentley Nettles, TABC Executive Director. “TABC’s goal is to ensure alcohol retailers are doing their part to keep Texas roads and businesses safe.”

The agency works with retailers before the operation to help identify best practices and provide tips on how to avoid some of the most common alcohol-relation violations, Nettles added.

“This operation is not intended to penalize retailers who are doing their best to operate during an extremely busy period,” Nettles said. “Our goal is to ensure business owners have the tools they need to successfully operate while keeping Texans safe.”

Businesses that sell alcohol to persons under 21 could face a civil fine or suspension of their license to sell alcohol. Employees who conduct the sale could also find themselves charged with a Class A misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $4,000 and up to one year in jail.

During last year’s spring break operations, TABC agents conducted 2,322 inspections and found just 75 violations, representing a compliance rate of more than 97%.

For more information about TABC, visit tabc.texas.gov.

TABC Media Contact:

Chris Porter

TABC Public Information Officer

media@tabc.texas.gov