TABC Set To Begin Annual Back-To-School Undercover Operations

AUSTIN – The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has started its annual push to ensure accountability for retailers who sell alcohol to minors during the busy back-to-school season.

The operation, which begins in mid-August and runs through early September, is part of TABC’s overall mission to keep alcohol out of the hands of anyone younger than 21. During the operation, TABC agents will visit alcohol retailers located near major colleges and universities across the state. Minors working with TABC will enter the businesses to purchase alcohol. If a sale takes place, TABC agents enter the business to notify its managers of the violation.

TABC regularly conducts underage compliance operations in communities across Texas. Over the past 12 months, TABC agents visited hundreds of Texas retailers to curb sales of alcohol to minors. Those operations found that nearly 90% of the retailers visited were fully complying with state alcohol laws.

“Allowing minors to purchase and consume alcohol is a serious threat to public safety and can lead to tragic consequences such as vehicle crashes, assaults or alcohol poisoning,” TABC Executive Director Bentley Nettles said. “TABC is committed to working with alcohol retailers ahead of time to ensure they have the knowledge and resources they need to prevent these violations before a tragedy occurs.”

Selling alcohol to a minor is a class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a $4,000 fine and up to a year in jail. In addition, businesses cited by TABC for selling alcohol to minors might have to pay a fine and have their license to sell alcohol temporarily suspended.

Results of this year’s back-to-school operations will be announced later in September.

Media Contact:
Chris Porter
Public Information Officer 
media@tabc.texas.gov