TABC Planning Increased Patrols During San Antonio Fiesta Week

SAN ANTONIO – Agents from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission's San Antonio Enforcement Office will conduct additional operations intended to promote public safety during that city's busy Fiesta Week ending April 30.

As a dual-purpose agency with missions involving law enforcement and the regulation of the alcoholic beverage industry, TABC employs more than 250 certified peace officers across Texas. As certified peace officers, TABC agents have statewide police powers and are charged with upholding the Alcoholic Beverage Code. During Fiesta Week, TABC agents will conduct inspections of alcohol retailers to ensure alcoholic beverages are being sold responsibly in accordance with state law.

Planned operations include both open and undercover inspections of TABC-licensed businesses, as well as "minor stings" intended to identify retailers who sell alcohol to customers younger than 21. TABC enforcement personnel will also join forces with San Antonio police and with local retailers to identify minors using fraudulent identification to enter alcohol retailers.

"We know Fiesta Week is a busy time for our local alcohol retailers, but we hope to show that public safety never takes a day off," said Major Ricardo Jauregui, Supervisor of Enforcement for TABC's San Antonio Region. "We’re very fortunate to have excellent partners in our local retailers, and we expect to see continued voluntary compliance with state laws during this period."

San Antonio's Fiesta Week began in 1891 as a way to honor the memory of the battles of the Alamo and San Jacinto. The festival is the city's signature event and contributes more than $200 million to the local economy each year.

Media contact: Chris Porter Public Information Officer, TABC Headquarters (512) 206-3462