TABC working with retailers, consumers to prevent underage drinking during spring break
AUSTIN — Agents from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission will visit hundreds of alcohol retailers — such as bars, restaurants, and stores — as part of a statewide operation to keep alcohol out of the hands of minors in popular spring break locations.
The annual underage compliance operations during the month of March are part of an ongoing effort to empower businesses to prevent illegal alcohol sales, including sales to intoxicated persons and customers under the age of 21. According to data from the Texas Department of Transportation, underage drivers accounted for 575 alcohol-related crashes in 2021, including 66 fatal crashes.
“The vast majority of underage alcohol-related accidents and fatalities can be prevented simply by cutting off the source of alcohol to the minors,” TABC Executive Director Thomas Graham said. “Our primary goal during this operation is to work with retailers to ensure they have the practices and policies in place to prevent illegal alcohol sales. In the relatively few cases where we observe a violation, we’ll hold those businesses accountable and get them back into compliance.”
Throughout the spring break operation, TABC agents will conduct undercover and open inspections to identify retailers selling alcohol to minors. Businesses found in violation could face a fine or a temporary suspension of their liquor license, while employees who break the law could face a misdemeanor criminal charge.
TABC has been offering training and educational resources for retailers to help their employees prepare for the busy spring break season, including in-person sessions such as a seminar held with South Padre Island and Port Isabel merchants in February.
“We want alcohol retailers across the state to realize that this period before spring break is the best time to prepare your staff for the busy season ahead,” Graham said. “Train your staff to recognize the signs of a fake ID, as well as the best ways to decline a sale if you think it would break the law. Ultimately, alcohol retailers are the first line of defense when it comes to preventing injury or loss of life.”
For more information on TABC training for alcohol retailers, visit tabc.texas.gov/public-safety/retailer-resources/.
For more information about TABC, visit tabc.texas.gov.
Media contact:
Chris Porter
TABC Public Information Officer
(512) 206-3462
media@tabc.texas.gov
INDUSTRY NOTICE: TABC San Antonio Regional Office to close March 17, reopen at new location March 20
TABC’s San Antonio Regional Office will be closed to the public Friday, March 17, as staff prepare to move to a new location. Customers can contact 512-206-3360 for assistance with their license or permit during this time.
The office will resume normal hours at the new location Monday, March 20. The new location for the San Antonio Regional Office will be:
4242 E. Piedras Drive
Suite 200
San Antonio, TX 78228
INDUSTRY NOTICE: Conduct your TABC compliance reports using AIMS
Businesses with TABC-licensed and/or permitted locations in Texas may conduct a voluntary compliance report (aka self-inspection) of their Texas premises by using the Alcohol Industry Management System (AIMS) beginning May 1, 2023.
TABC is launching a new method for you to conduct your annual compliance reports through AIMS. This replaces the mobile app that businesses previously used. Businesses will now conduct and file their annual reports by picking up their mobile device, opening either the Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge app, and logging into AIMS — the same online system used by businesses to manage licenses, applications, excise taxes, and more. Compliance reports ask users a series of questions and prompt them to take photos to confirm they are following the applicable laws for their businesses.
What: Voluntary compliance reporting (self-inspection) period
When: May 1–Aug. 31, 2023
Because parts of Texas are experiencing severe winter weather, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission will be delaying the publication of Credit Delinquent List 1862, which was initially scheduled to be published on Feb. 1, 2023.
Delinquent List 1862 will now be published on Feb. 3, 2023.
Delinquent List 1862
Delivery period: Jan. 1–15, 2023
Payment date: Jan. 25, 2023
Reporting date: Jan. 27, 2023
Publication and effective date: Feb. 3, 2023
Businesses that use the delinquent list can view the full schedule on the Delinquent List page.
