News Releases
Get the latest headlines from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. You can look through all of the agency’s recent news releases on this page.
Members of the media should contact the TABC public information officer to make an inquiry.
TABC announces 93% retailer compliance rate during back-to-school operations
AUSTIN — A statewide series of inspections by agents from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission found that 93% of retailers successfully prevented the sale of alcohol to minors during the busy back-to-school season. The inspections, called “underage compliance operations” (UCOs) by TABC, are part of the agency’s regular efforts to ensure retailers are aware of Texas’ laws against selling alcohol to customers younger than 21. While TABC enforcement agents conduct UCOs on a weekly basis, the back-to-school operations represent a statewide effort to inspect alcohol retailers located near major colleges or universities. In total, TABC agents visited 1,144 alcohol retailers throughout August and September, finding just 81 violations, or a 93% compliance rate. “This data tells us that the vast majority of Texas alcohol retailers take their customers’ safety seriously and are already working to hold their employees accountable,” said Thomas Graham, TABC Executive Director. “These retailers understand that they are the first line of defense when it comes to preventing alcohol-related injury or death, and all of us at TABC are grateful for their continued dedication to maintaining safe communities.” Businesses found selling alcohol to a minor could face a fine or a possible suspension of their license to sell alcohol. Employees who sell alcohol to a minor could face a class A misdemeanor charge punishable by a fine up to $4,000 and one year in jail. For more information on TABC, visit tabc.texas.gov. Media Contact: Chris Porter TABC Director of Communications (512) 206-3462 media@tabc.texas.gov
Read moreTABC agents seize illegal distillation equipment during Johnson County operation
AUSTIN — An anonymous tip led agents from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission to uncover and seize illegal distilling equipment during a successful operation Sept. 1. Agents from TABC’s Arlington Regional Office led the operation to seize the still, which was discovered at a residence in Johnson County. The still was maintained in operable condition, meaning it could be used to manufacture illicit alcohol in violation of state law. During an interview with TABC agents, a person living at the residence admitted to owning the equipment. Section 103.02 of the Alcoholic Beverage Code prohibits any person from possessing equipment “designed for, capable of use for, or used in manufacturing an illicit beverage,” including the possession of distillation equipment without a TABC Distiller’s and Rectifier’s Permit. The Code allows peace officers to seize any illicit alcoholic beverages along with any equipment used in their manufacture. “This operation exemplifies TABC’s commitment to properly enforcing the law and ensuring the safety and integrity of the alcoholic beverage industry in Texas,” TABC Executive Director Thomas Graham said. “Not only does illicit alcohol risk the health and safety of anyone who consumes it, but it also undermines the efforts of law-abiding alcohol manufacturers, distributors and retailers who continue the do the right thing when operating their businesses.” Possession of illicit distillation equipment is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine between $100–$1,000. The case remains under investigation. For more information on TABC, visit tabc.texas.gov. Media Contact: Chris Porter TABC Director of Communications (512) 206-3462 media@tabc.texas.gov
Read moreTABC arrests Austin convenience store clerk for online solicitation of minor, illegal alcohol sales
AUSTIN — A joint operation by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission and the Department of Public Safety has resulted in the arrest of an Austin convenience store clerk on charges of online solicitation of a minor, sale of alcohol to a minor, and furnishing alcohol to a minor. Pedro Enrique Flores-Vasquez, 48, was taken into custody Aug. 11 and booked into the Travis County Jail. Flores-Vasquez, an employee of Hyde Park Market, 4429 Duval St. in Austin, remains in custody in lieu of a combined $34,000 bond. Online solicitation of a minor is a third-degree felony punishable by a prison sentence of between two to 10 years, along with a fine of up to $10,000. Selling alcohol to a minor and furnishing alcohol to a minor are both class A misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000. The criminal case against Flores-Vasquez is pending. For more information on TABC, visit tabc.texas.gov. Media Contact: Chris Porter TABC Director of Communications (512) 206-3462 media@tabc.texas.gov
Read moreTABC arrests one for labor trafficking following joint operation
AUSTIN — A Cuban citizen stands accused of labor trafficking following his arrest by agents of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission May 24. Luis Diaz Sala was arrested at his home in Irving as part of a joint operation by TABC, the Dallas Police Department and officers of the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security’s Gangs and Violent Crimes Task Force. The joint operation identified Diaz Sala as a suspected labor trafficker in February 2022, when it learned that an organized criminal element was smuggling people from Cuba to the United States and forcing them to work at a TABC-licensed business to pay off the smuggling debt. During that investigation, agents observed Diaz Sala at the business on multiple occasions and confirmed his suspected ties with the business’ management. TABC agents obtained an arrest warrant for Diaz Sala in May 2023, and made the arrest a short time later, charging him with violations of Texas’ labor trafficking laws. “This case is a huge win for TABC’s Special Investigations Unit and our task force partners,” TABC Executive Director Thomas Graham said. “Stopping labor trafficking and human trafficking is a top priority for this agency, and we will continue to work tirelessly to identify these suspected traffickers and bring them to justice.” Diaz Sala remains in custody at the Dallas County Jail. The name of the involved business will be disclosed once a related TABC investigation is complete. Media Contact: Chris Porter TABC Director of Communications (512) 206-3462 media@tabc.texas.gov
Read moreTABC prepares to ensure public safety over Memorial Day weekend
AUSTIN — As Memorial Day weekend approaches, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) is ramping up its efforts to promote public safety and encourage responsible alcohol sales and service. TABC law enforcement officers will conduct operations across Texas throughout Memorial Day weekend, which coincides with graduation ceremonies and end-of-year celebrations at schools throughout the state. Those operations will include open and undercover inspections to deter violence and the overservice of alcoholic beverages and will also include underage compliance operations (UCOs) to identify businesses selling alcohol to persons under 21. Additionally, agents from TABC’s Targeted Responsibility for Alcohol-Connected Emergencies (TRACE) Unit will be available to respond to alcohol-related emergencies such as DWI crashes, assaults, and more. Businesses caught violating the state’s alcohol laws could face a fine or temporary suspension of their license to sell alcohol. During the month of May 2022, TABC agents conducted more than 2,800 inspections, finding a total of 112 violations resulting in 76 administrative cases. “Texans across the state will be kicking off their summer during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, and it’s our goal to ensure they can celebrate safely,” TABC Executive Director Thomas Graham said. “While we hope businesses will voluntarily comply with state law, as most usually do, we want all Texans to know that TABC will have resources in place to deter unsafe practices, respond to emergencies, and hold violators accountable. We expect a safe and successful holiday for the vast majority of the businesses we serve.” Anyone wishing to report a possible violation at TABC-licensed businesses may do so by visiting tabc.texas.gov/aims-login and clicking on the File a Complaint button. Complaints can also be submitted to TABC by email at complaints@tabc.texas.gov or by calling 1-888-THE-TABC. Media Contact: Chris Porter TABC Director of Communications (512) 206-3462 media@tabc.texas.gov
Read moreTABC arrests two for alleged illegal alcohol sales at Dallas-area BYOB bar
AUSTIN — A joint operation between the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) and the Dallas Police Department has resulted in the arrest of two Dallas-area women for selling alcohol without a license at a bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) establishment. TABC agents arrested Irma Lillian Medina, 30, and Lixy Dariely Juarez Miralda, 20, on May 6 after they allegedly sold alcohol without a license while working at El Patron Sports Bar & Billiards, located at 10571 Denton Drive in Dallas. The business, which operates as a BYOB location, does not hold an active TABC license or permit to sell alcohol. El Patron had been operating as a BYOB business since October 2022, when it lost its license to sell alcohol following a TABC investigation into allegations of subterfuge and violent incidents on the premises. Businesses can operate as BYOB without a TABC license; however, Texas law prohibits alcohol from being sold, and distributors of alcoholic beverages may not make deliveries to businesses that do not have a TABC license. The joint operation that led to Medina’s and Miralda’s arrest began in April after TABC received reports that alcohol was being sold at the unlicensed business. The resulting investigation confirmed the illegal sales at El Patron and revealed that much of the illegal alcohol was being stored at a neighboring bar. That alcohol, which included dozens of cases of malt beverages and several bottles of distilled spirits, was seized by TABC agents following the investigation. “A TABC license is more than permission to sell alcohol. It’s proof that a business has been vetted as meeting the state’s requirements to operate safely and responsibly,” said TABC Executive Director Thomas Graham. “Selling alcohol without a license is not only illegal, but it also places the public at risk of alcohol-related incidents such as DWI, assaults, or worse. More than that, it’s also unfair to the thousands of Texas businesses who obey the law and obtain the necessary license to legally sell alcohol.” Selling alcohol without a license is a violation of Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code §§11.01 and 61.01, which carries a penalty of up to one year in jail and a fine of between $100-$1,000. Media Contact: Chris Porter TABC Public Information Officer (512) 206-3462 media@tabc.texas.gov
Read moreTABC joins Gov. Abbott’s 'One Pill Kills' campaign to raise awareness of fentanyl dangers
AUSTIN — The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has joined Gov. Greg Abbott’s “One Pill Kills” campaign helping Texans recognize the dangers of fentanyl poisoning. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid used by medical professionals to treat severe pain. Illicitly made versions of the drug have entered the illegal drug market, putting lives at risk. The campaign seeks to raise awareness of the dangers of fentanyl, lethal doses of which can be found in cocaine, heroin, counterfeit prescription pills, and other narcotics. As regulators of the state’s alcoholic beverage industry, TABC will work with alcohol manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to help them recognize the signs of fentanyl poisoning. The agency will provide educational materials to each of the more-than 60,000 TABC-licensed businesses throughout the state, and TABC Enforcement agents will continue to investigate locations where illegal narcotics are found or sold. STATEMENT FROM THOMAS GRAHAM, TABC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: “Texas’ alcohol retailers are already trained to recognize the signs of intoxication and to provide help for customers at risk of alcohol poisoning. It’s our hope that retailers will continue to help by training their staff to recognize signs of a fentanyl overdose and calling for medical help when lives may be at risk. By working together, we can save lives and reduce the impact of this deadly drug.” For more information about the “One Pill Kills” campaign, visit: gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-launches-one-pill-kills-statewide-campaign. To view TABC’s fentanyl awareness tip sheet and other resources for alcohol retailers, visit tabc.texas.gov/public-safety/retailer-resources/. Media contact: Chris Porter TABC Public Information Officer (512) 206-3462 media@tabc.texas.gov
Read moreAnnual TABC spring break compliance operations find 127 violations
AUSTIN — A series of covert inspections by agents from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission found that 93% of businesses operated in full compliance with the law during the busy spring break season. In all, TABC agents conducted 1,726 underage compliance operations during the agency’s annual spring break enforcement roundup, finding 127 instances of businesses selling alcohol to people under 21. This year’s results mark an improvement from last year’s operation, which found a compliance rate of 91%. The annual operation attempts to identify businesses selling alcohol to minors at popular spring break vacation spots such as South Padre Island as well as festival locations in Austin and Houston. This year’s results show that most businesses are continuing to take their role in promoting safe and responsible alcohol service seriously, TABC Executive Director Thomas Graham said. “Texas’s alcohol retailers are our most important partners when it comes to protecting communities from the dangers of underage alcohol consumption,” Graham said. “It comes as no surprise that most of the businesses we visited continued to do the right thing by training staff and putting policies in place to prevent unnecessary risks related to illegal alcohol sales.” This year’s spring break operation included covert inspections, high-visibility inspections at popular vacation destinations, and partnerships with businesses to help identify customers using fake IDs to purchase alcohol, Graham added. “Spring break is obviously one of the busiest times for retailers across the state, which is why it’s important that retailers continue to do their part to keep their communities safe,” he said. “We’re all extremely grateful to our industry partners for helping us ensure Texans can enjoy the season safely and responsibly.” Businesses found selling alcohol to minors could face administrative penalties such as a fine or temporary suspension of their liquor license. Employees found selling alcohol to minors could also face a misdemeanor criminal charge resulting in a fine or up to one year in jail. For more information about TABC, visit tabc.texas.gov. Media contact: Chris Porter TABC Public Information Officer (512) 206-3462 media@tabc.texas.gov
Read moreTABC 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
Read moreStatement from TABC on guilty plea from Maria Botello-Morales for sex trafficking charges
BACKGROUND: A 56-year-old Houston woman faces life in prison after she pleaded guilty to multiple sex trafficking charges resulting from a joint investigation by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission and members of the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance (HTRA). U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani announced the guilty plea on Jan. 30, adding that Maria Botello-Morales admitted to recruiting a minor-aged Mexican citizen to work in a bar she owned and to forcing the girl and multiple other victims into sex work on the threat of violence. TABC canceled the liquor permit for the bar, Puerto Alegre, in 2020 following the initial investigation. Botello-Morales remains in custody awaiting sentencing. She faces up to life in prison. The joint investigation was conducted by TABC and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security with assistance from the Houston Police Department as part of HTRA. TABC’s investigation remains ongoing. Statement from TABC Chairman Kevin J. Lilly: “This case demonstrates the lengths traffickers will go to in order to recruit and abuse victims, even when those victims are barely more than children. All of us at TABC are incredibly proud of the work of our agents and partners with the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance, and we remain committed to finding and stopping human trafficking no matter where it’s found in Texas.” U.S. Attorney’s Office news release: justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/woman-guilty-trafficking-women-cantina-backroom For more about TABC, visit tabc.texas.gov. Trafficking victims are asked to contact TABC’s Victim Services Coordinator at VictimServices@tabc.texas.gov or 713-494-5869. Media contact: Chris Porter TABC Public Information Officer (512) 206-3462 media@tabc.texas.gov
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