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Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission removes 25 potential human trafficking victims from Houston-area bar during joint operation
HOUSTON — Agents of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), FBI, and Harris County District Attorney’s Office conducted a joint operation at a Houston-area bar following an investigation into allegations of prostitution and human trafficking. More than 30 agents took part in the operation at Fridas Sports Bar located at 2217 McCarty Street late Thursday. In total, TABC victim services coordinators interviewed 25 potential human trafficking victims who were present in the bar. “This operation resulted from weeks of investigation into alleged criminal activity taking place at the bar,” TABC Chairman Kevin J. Lilly said. “Let there be no mistake: Illegal conduct has no place in a TABC-licensed business, and we will continue to take action against any bad actors who think they can use a legitimate business as a front for their crimes.” TABC prioritizes assisting the potential victims of human trafficking in cases such as this one, TABC Executive Director Thomas Graham said. “TABC’s victim services coordinators are experts at talking to individuals who have been victimized by organized crime,” he said. “Our goal is, first and foremost, to remove them from danger and to connect them with the resources they need, from medical help to counseling.” The investigation followed weeks of evidence-gathering and joint investigation by TABC and its task force partners at the local, state, and federal levels. Such partnerships are the backbone of TABC’s efforts to ensure public safety, Lilly said. “This success wouldn’t have been possible without the outstanding work and support of our partners at all levels of government,” he said. “Public safety is, by nature, a joint effort. Coordinating our efforts and supporting our partner agencies are crucial to working efficiently toward a safer Texas.” The bar remains the subject of ongoing criminal and administrative investigations by TABC, HSI, FBI, and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. Media Contact: Chris Porter TABC Director of Communications (512) 206-3462 media@tabc.texas.gov
Read moreTABC publishes interactive wet/dry map
Figuring out which alcohol sales are allowed at specific locations across Texas has become easier with TABC’s new interactive wet/dry map. The new map allows users to view the status of a county — dry, partially wet, or wet for alcohol sales — and see the alcohol types allowed for various jurisdictions within the county. The map was made possible through a partnership between TABC and the General Land Office. Currently, most Texas counties and cities allow some form of alcohol sales. and there are 60 completely wet counties and three completely dry counties in the state. Where alcohol may be sold in Texas is determined by a local option election in which voters in a county, municipality, or precinct decide the types of alcoholic beverage sales they want to allow in their community.
Read moreTexas Alcoholic Beverage Commission kicks off annual Spring Break, festival safety operation
AUSTIN — Agents from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) are ramping up efforts to curb underage drinking and intoxicated driving across the state as part of the agency’s annual spring break safety operation. The operation, which includes both undercover and open inspections of TABC-licensed alcohol retailers, seeks to identify businesses that violate state law by selling alcohol to people younger than 21. More than 200 TABC Enforcement agents and members of the agency’s Targeted Responsibility for Alcohol-Connected Emergencies (TRACE) unit are taking part in the effort. “Spring break is an opportunity for Texans to celebrate with some well-earned time off and support the thriving tourism and entertainment industries in our state,” TABC Executive Director Thomas Graham said. “Our goal with this operation is to ensure businesses do the right thing and prevent alcohol sales that could endanger public safety.” Throughout the spring break period, TABC agents will conduct additional “minor sales investigations” at businesses in cities with colleges or universities, as well as popular destinations along Texas’s Gulf Coast and its travel corridors. During a minor sales investigation, undercover TABC agents work to identify any business selling alcohol to a minor. Visible TABC agents will also patrol popular travel destinations and festival locations, such as Austin’s SXSW music festival, to ensure retailers are complying with state law. “This operation serves a dual purpose,” Graham said. “We first and foremost want to serve as a resource that educates businesses on how to stay in compliance with state law but we also want to take corrective action to get a business back on track if that becomes necessary. In the leadup to spring break, and throughout the month of March, our agents and auditors will be available to answer questions and respond to complaints, both in popular spring break destinations and across the state.” Similar operations in past years recorded an average compliance rate over 90 percent. In total, TABC regulates more than 60,000 licensed alcohol retail locations across the state. Selling alcohol to a person younger than 21 is a class A misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $4,000, jail time for up to one year, or both. Any business found in violation could also face a fine or possible suspension of their TABC license to sell alcoholic beverages. For more information about TABC, or to download free educational resources, visit tabc.texas.gov. Media Contact: Chris Porter TABC Director of Communications (512) 206-3462 media@tabc.texas.gov
Read moreTABC makes arrest in connection to stolen alcohol shipments
A South Texas man has been arrested by agents of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) on charges related to the theft of name-brand distilled spirits being shipped within the state. Mathew Tafolla, 37, was arrested Jan. 24 by TABC agents in Donna on a second-degree felony charge for theft of cargo. TABC agents were notified in July 2024 of a shipment of spirits that went missing while in transit. A joint investigation by TABC and several partnering law enforcement agencies – including the Travis County Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations – resulted in TABC recovering the missing inventory in Dallas in late 2024. Further investigation identified a suspect, leading to Tafolla’s arrest on Friday. TABC’s identification and arrest of Tafolla came about as part of a larger on-going investigation by the agency into multiple alcohol cargo thefts that have occurred across Texas. “Theft of alcohol inventory not only hurts the affected business, It also hurts the people of Texas who are put at risk by the unregulated sales of these products on the black market,” TABC Chairman Kevin J. Lilly said. “This week’s arrest is a major step forward in this ongoing case, and TABC will continue working tirelessly on this investigation until the involved parties are held accountable.” Tafolla is currently being held in the Hildalgo County Jail. Media Contact: Chris Porter TABC Director of Communications (512) 206-3462 media@tabc.texas.gov
Read moreGov. Abbott appoints M. Scott Adkins, Chad M. Craycraft to serve on Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
AUSTIN — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has appointed Chad M. Craycraft to serve on the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, while reappointing current Commissioner M. Scott Adkins for a second term. Craycraft, a fifth-generation Texan raised in Georgetown, is a graduate of the University of Texas and the University of Texas School of Law. He is a state government veteran who has served in multiple roles within Texas government including previous service as chairman of the Texas Ethics Commission. Craycraft currently serves as executive vice president and general counsel at Graduation Alliance, an education technology firm. Adkins, a TABC commissioner since 2019, is president of fire and security company PyroCom Systems, as well as CEO of Currey Adkins, an information technology company. A graduate of Texas Christian University, Adkins also volunteers as a board member of the Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Las Palmas Del Sol Hospitals. “I couldn’t be more pleased with Governor Abbott’s decision to appoint Chad Craycraft to the Commission, and I’m proud to congratulate Scott Adkins on his appointment to a second term,” TABC Chairman Kevin J. Lilly said. “Scott’s expertise has been crucial throughout TABC’s technology modernization efforts, and I’m certain both he and Chad Craycraft will leverage their knowledge and experience as we work together to make TABC a model state agency.” “Leaders like Commissioner Adkins and Chad Craycraft are vital to ensuring TABC continues to successfully fulfill its mission of supporting businesses and protecting our communities,” TABC Executive Director Thomas W. Graham said. “I look forward to working with them both to provide accountability and excellent service to the alcoholic beverage industry and all Texans.” Members of the Commission are appointed by the governor and serve staggered terms. The board has ultimate oversight over TABC, which is responsible for regulating all aspects of the Texas alcoholic beverage industry. Adkins and Craycraft will begin their new terms as TABC commissioners after confirmation by the Texas Senate. If confirmed, both appointees’ terms would expire on Nov. 15, 2029. Adkins will continue his service at TABC under his initial appointment until his reappointment is confirmed. Media Contact: Chris Porter TABC Director of Communications (512) 206-3462 media@tabc.texas.gov
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