TABC Earns National Liquor Law Enforcement Association 'Agency of the Year' award for 2015

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has been named the National Liquor Law Enforcement Association's Agency of the Year for 2015, highlighting TABC's dedication to creating programs which both promote public safety and increase agency effectiveness. TABC was selected as the annual winner during the NLLEA conference in Fall of 2015. The NLLEA is a non-profit association of law enforcement personnel dedicated to the enforcement of liquor laws and regulations. The association actively collaborates with state- and federal-level liquor regulators to promote new programs and practices ensuring a fair and legal alcoholic beverage industry.

TABC's creation of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), which investigates organized criminal activities such as human trafficking, narcotics trafficking and money laundering within TABC-licensed businesses, was cited as a key factor in determining this year's honoree.

"(TABC's) creation of the Special Investigations Unit to combat organized criminal activities occurring in licensed establishments throughout the State of Texas and the strong success you have seen from the SIU since its creation makes your agency the ideal recipient of the NLLEA Liquor Law Enforcement Agency of the Year Award," NLLEA President Joseph Cannon said in a letter to TABC Executive Director Sherry Cook.

Cook considers the award to serve as a reminder of one of TABC's core directives which is, in addition to promoting a competitive and lawful alcoholic beverage industry, to uphold public safety. "We are honored to be named this year’s NLLEA Agency of the Year. TABC continues to look for ways to increase our agency's effectiveness while keeping the people of Texas safe."

To learn more, visit nllea.org .

Press Contact: Chris Porter Public Information Officer, TABC Headquarters (512) 206-3462