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March 6, 2017

TABC Announces Statewide 2017 Spring Break Undercover Operations

As Texans from across the state flock to the Gulf Coast for Spring Break, agents from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission will conduct a series of undercover operations intended to curtail sales of alcohol to persons under 21.

The undercover operations – dubbed "minor stings" – will take place over the next two weeks at retailers located along popular travel corridors between major Texas cities and the Gulf Coast. During the operation, undercover TABC agents will accompany a minor-aged volunteer who will attempt to purchase alcohol. Retailers who sell alcohol to the underage person could face possible administrative action by the TABC. The stings will take place at establishments which sell alcohol for on-premise consumption such as bars and restaurants, and those which sell alcohol for off-premise consumption such as grocery or convenience stores.

During the 2016 Spring Break undercover operations, TABC agents visited 1,488 retailers and found more than 92 percent to be in full compliance with the law. Agency officials say the operations are intended to remind alcohol retailers of their responsibility to keep alcohol out of the hands of minors.

"We're fortunate that most Texas retailers are already choosing to comply with state law," said Executive Chief Robert Saenz, chief of TABC Field Operations. "This operation is intended to remind businesses across the state about the importance of protecting their customers from the dangers of underage alcohol consumption. At the same time, these undercover operations help us identify those few businesses who are in violation and bring them back into compliance."

For more information on TABC's efforts to curb underage drinking, visit the agency's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TXABC. Businesses wishing to request training from TABC on best practices to avoid selling alcohol to minors may contact the agency at (512) 206-3333.

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