News Releases
Get the latest headlines from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. You can look through all of the agency’s recent news releases on this page.
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TABC, Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance take action against nine Houston-area bars on allegations of human trafficking, prostitution
HOUSTON — More than 200 peace officers and employees from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Houston Police Department, Harris County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, and other local, state, and federal agencies converged on nine Houston-area bars suspected of engaging in human trafficking during a series of operations conducted Oct. 18. The joint action resulted in TABC suspending the nine businesses’ liquor licenses, as well as the removal of 84 suspected victims from the premises. The operation is believed to be the largest such investigation of suspected human trafficking at TABC-licensed businesses in state history, according to TABC Chairman Kevin J. Lilly. “This operation’s success is the result of careful investigation, undercover work, and coordination between TABC and our partners in the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance,” Lilly said. “Human trafficking is a stain on our society, and it’s unfortunately more prevalent than most Texans realize. I couldn’t be prouder of our peace officers for their diligence, their willingness to work across agency lines, and their commitment to putting the safety of the victims first.” The investigation was made possible through the close working relationship between TABC and its partners in the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance (HTRA), Lilly added. “All of us within the Texas law enforcement community are committed to keeping our fellow Texans safe, as well as protecting anyone who’s been victimized by human traffickers,” he said. “I believe the men and women of the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance are an incredible credit to their agencies and all of Texas.” The locations’ TABC licenses were suspended as outlined in Section 11.614 of the Alcoholic Beverage Code, which authorizes the agency to suspend a business’s liquor license for up to 90 days if the commission determines “that the continued operation of a permitted or licensed business would constitute a continuing threat to public welfare.” Licenses and permits suspended during the Oct. 18 operation include: El Flamingo Club, 3715 Aldine Mail Route Koko Bongo, 955 Federal Road Los Escorpiones #2, 1636 Federal Road Los Escorpiones #5, 2815 Luell St. El Cruzero Sports Bar, 7715 W. Hardy Road Bora Bora Sports Bar, 11028 Aldine Westfield Road El Rinconcito Night Club, 743 Freeport St. La Condesa, 8810 Jensen Drive Las Margaritas Night Club, 210 E. Little York Road No alcohol may be served or sold at the locations while the businesses’ TABC licenses/permits are suspended. The case remains under investigation by TABC, the Houston Police Department, and other members of HTRA. Media Contact: Chris Porter TABC Director of Communications (512) 206-3462 media@tabc.texas.gov
Read moreTABC issues emergency order suspending Fort Worth bar’s permit following two deadly shootings
AUSTIN — The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has issued an emergency order suspending the liquor permit of a Fort Worth bar for 60 days following multiple deadly shootings that left two people dead. El Gallito Copeton Night Club, located on 3202 N. Main Street in Fort Worth, was served with the 60-day emergency order by TABC on May 21. The suspension will remain in place for 60 days effective immediately, and the bar may not sell or serve alcohol during the suspension. A hearing to affirm, amend, or set aside the order will be held with the State Office of Administrative Hearings on May 31. The first shooting occurred at the business on May 12, resulting in the death of one man. One week later on May 19, a second man was shot and killed on the premises. The bar holds a Mixed Beverage Permit (MB) and Late Hours Certificate (LH). Section 11.614 of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code authorizes TABC to suspend a business’s license or permit for up to 90 days if it’s believed that the business’s continued operation could pose a risk to public safety. “TABC has a responsibility to ensure that its licensed and permitted businesses have no role in causing threats to public safety,” TABC Executive Director Thomas Graham said. “This emergency order of suspension will help prevent additional risks to public safety from occurring at the business while investigators continue their work on this case.” The case remains under investigation by TABC and the Fort Worth Police Department. MEDIA CONTACT: Juan Rodriguez TABC Communications media@tabc.texas.gov
Read moreTABC conducting spring break public safety operations throughout March
AUSTIN — Agents from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission will be in liquor stores, bars, beaches, and other locations where alcohol is sold throughout March as the agency kicks off its annual spring break public safety operations. Dozens of TABC’s more-than 200 commissioned peace officers will take part in the operations, which identify locations where alcohol is sold to minors in violation of state law. Planned operations for 2024 include underage compliance operations, in which TABC agents attempt to identify businesses selling alcohol to people younger than 21. “The spring festival season, including spring break and a number of popular events across the state, is among the busiest times for alcohol retailers,” said Thomas Graham, TABC executive director. “Each year, TABC makes it a point to empower our retailers to identify some of the most common violations and take steps to help keep their business and communities safe.” Prior to the operations, TABC auditors often visit alcohol retailers in the most popular spring break destinations to provide training and answer questions about best practices related to preventing the sale of alcohol to minors. One such meeting took place on South Padre Island in mid-February, giving retailers there a chance to learn about best practices for avoiding safety risks such as illicit alcohol sales. “The ultimate goal is not to penalize retailers who are doing their best to conduct business during a busy time,” Graham said. “What we want to do first and foremost is to ensure they have the tools they need to successfully operate while keeping their customers and employees safe.” Businesses that sell alcohol to people under 21 could face a civil fine or suspension of their license to sell alcohol. Employees who conduct the sale could also find themselves charged with a class A misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $4,000 and up to one year in jail. For more information about TABC, visit tabc.texas.gov. Media Contact: Chris Porter TABC Director of Communications (512) 206-3462 media@tabc.texas.gov
Read moreTABC agent responds to active shooter situation at Lakewood Church
AUSTIN — An off-duty agent of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission was among multiple commissioned peace officers who responded to a shooting at Houston’s Lakewood Church around 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11. TABC Agent Adrian Herrera was working off duty as a security officer at the church when a person opened fire with a long rifle in the lobby of the building. Herrera and another officer responded by engaging the shooter and neutralizing the threat. Officials from TABC’s Law Enforcement Department and the agency’s Office of Inspector General are working with local and state investigators to determine what led to the shooting. Per agency policy, Herrera has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal TABC investigation into the shooting. He has been employed by TABC for approximately five years. “While we are still gathering the facts on what took place at Lakewood Church, I can say that I’m extremely proud of the quick response of our agent as well as the other law enforcement agents on the scene,” TABC Chairman Kevin Lilly said. “These officers likely prevented a much greater tragedy through their brave actions.” “TABC agents are trained to respond to situations such as this as part of their duties,” TABC Executive Director Thomas Graham said. “As Texas peace officers, each of our agents are committed to protecting lives and keeping the people of Texas safe.” The shooting remains under investigation by TABC, the Houston Police Department, and the Texas Rangers. Media Contact: Chris Porter TABC Director of Communications (512) 206-3462 media@tabc.texas.gov
Read moreFree webinar to help fight human trafficking offered by TABC and Texas Restaurant Association
AUSTIN — The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission and the Texas Restaurant Association are conducting a free webinar on Jan. 18 to educate people working in the alcoholic beverage industry on the warning signs of human trafficking and how to report it. The joint webinar is part of both groups’ efforts to commemorate Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The annual observance, announced by Gov. Greg Abbott on Jan. 3, is intended to raise awareness of human trafficking while empowering Texans to report suspected crime. TABC has a statutory directive to prevent criminal activity at TABC-licensed locations, and human trafficking is among the many crimes the agency works to stop. The webinar will help business owners and their employees identify the signs of human trafficking and report concerning activity to law enforcement, according to TABC Executive Director Thomas Graham. “Our best tool to fight human trafficking is the eyes and ears of all Texans,” Graham said. “TABC is proud to work with our partners in the Texas Restaurant Association and the alcoholic beverage industry to help make a safer Texas for all.” TABC and the TRA have a long history of partnering to promote public safety through webinars, in-person training and other initiatives. “Human trafficking is a preventable crime that occurs throughout Texas,” said Emily Williams Knight, Ed.D., TRA president and CEO. “We’re proud to work hand-in-hand with TABC to empower our industry so we can lead in the effort to stop this human trafficking in Texas.” The free online webinar begins at 2 p.m. CST Thursday, Jan. 18. Participants can register at https://bit.ly/3SaiaQX. Industry members can also request a recording of the webinar by emailing Erica Valdriz at evaldriz@txrestaurant.org. For information on the Texas Restaurant Association, visit txrestaurant.org. For more information on TABC, visit tabc.texas.gov. MEDIA CONTACT for TABC: Chris Porter TABC Director of Communications (512) 206-3462 – media@tabc.texas.gov MEDIA CONTACT for Texas Restaurant Association: ECPR Texas Nico Ramsey, (512) 516-0302 Camryn Lees, (262) 490-9380 TRA@ecprtexas.com
Read moreTABC launches new Opioid-Related Drug Overdose training course
AUSTIN — The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has launched a new training course intended to help certain alcohol retailers recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and give them the skills to intervene with lifesaving measures. The course was developed by the agency after a new law took effect on Sept. 1, 2023. Senate Bill 998, authored by state Sen. Royce West and adopted by the 88th Texas Legislature, requires certain Mixed Beverage and Private Club permit holders, and certain members of their staff, to complete an opioid overdose training course provided by TABC each year. The law was crafted in response to the ongoing opioid crisis in America. Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that more than 150 Americans die each day from opioid-related overdoses, including illegally produced opioids such as heroin and fentanyl. “Texas continues to lead the fight against the fentanyl crisis that is plaguing our state and our nation,” said Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. “With this new Opioid-Related Drug Overdose training course, we will help ensure alcohol retailers and their staff know how to keep their customers safe from fentanyl and other opioid poisonings. I thank the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for their ongoing efforts in our comprehensive statewide ‘One Pill Kills’ campaign. Their hard work, and the new laws I signed this year, will help save the lives of Texans each and every day.” Abbott signed SB 998 into law in June. West, whose Senate district includes portions of Dallas County, said his bill is aimed at reducing overdose deaths across Texas. “Not a week passes without hearing of another opioid-related death. The course developed by TABC following the passage of SB 998 will instruct those who work in venues where alcohol is sold on how to identify a person in the stages of an opioid overdose and train them to administer an opioid antagonist,” West said. “SB 998 creates a safety net in this fight against the fentanyl and opioid-related deaths that continue to devastate our communities. SB 998 and the resultant training will help save lives.” TABC’s Opioid-Related Drug Overdose course provides bar owners, managers, and their staff with an overview of opioid overdoses, including the symptoms and warning signs, as well as steps to take if they identify a person suffering from an possible overdose. The lifesaving steps include the administration of a medication called naloxone, which can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and save a life. “Studies show that 1 in 4 Texans have experienced an overdose or know someone who has,” TABC Executive Director Thomas Graham said. “This training will support alcohol retailers with the knowledge and skills they need to both protect their customers from the harmful and sometimes lethal effects these drugs can have.” TABC’s Opioid-Related Drug Overdose course is now available for free on the new TABC Education webpage: tabc.texas.gov/texas-alcohol-laws-regulations/tabc-education/. Media Contact: Chris Porter TABC Director of Communications (512) 206-3462 media@tabc.texas.gov
Read moreTABC agents act quickly to save victim of possible opioid overdose
AUSTIN — Quick action by two agents of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission revived a woman who was found unresponsive during an inspection of a Dallas-area bar Sept. 30. TABC agents Wesley McDonald and Tim Shepherd were conducting a regular inspection of a dance club on the 10000 block of Finnell Street when they observed a woman in a wheelchair slumped over and unresponsive. The unresponsive person was surrounded by several other patrons who were attempting to revive her. The two agents examined the woman and found that she was limp and unresponsive to verbal stimulation. They also could not locate a pulse on the woman. The agents instructed an employee to contact 911 and began questioning the woman’s acquaintances on whether she had taken any drugs or medication. During this conversation, the woman’s eyes rolled back and the skin around her mouth began to turn blue. The agents quickly determined that it was necessary to use Narcan, the device that delivers the anti-opioid overdose medication naloxone. Agent McDonald retrieved his Narcan, while Agent Shepherd held the woman’s head upright to maintain her airway. A few seconds after the medication was administered, the woman regained consciousness. She was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital for further treatment. “I truly believe Agent McDonald’s and Agent Shepherd’s quick actions saved a life that night,” TABC Executive Director Thomas Graham said. “Our agents are, first and foremost, dedicated to keeping Texans safe and saving lives. I’m incredibly proud of these agents’ actions, and I’m grateful for all our agents and industry partners who are working to keep their fellow Texans safe.” All TABC agents conducting inspections carry Narcan as part of their regular duty equipment. The agency is also working to develop training for alcohol retailers on the warning signs of a possible opioid overdose and what to do if a suspected overdose takes place at the business. The agents’ lifesaving actions come as Texas observes its first Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month this October. The annual observance, which was adopted by the Texas Legislature earlier this year, seeks to raise awareness of the dangers of opioids such as fentanyl. Media Contact: Chris Porter TABC Director of Communications (512) 206-3462 media@tabc.texas.gov
Read moreTABC appoints Ronald Swenson as executive chief of agency law enforcement operations
AUSTIN — The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has appointed agency veteran Ronald Swenson to the post of executive chief of enforcement, where he will oversee the agency’s 200-plus commissioned peace officers working across the state in support of public safety. Swenson, who previously served as head of the agency’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU), succeeds former Executive Chief Victor Kuykendoll following his retirement in August. “Chief Swenson has been a huge part of TABC’s success in law enforcement over the past 18 years, and I know he’ll be a great fit to lead law enforcement efforts,” said Thomas Graham, TABC Executive Director. “He is a proven leader, an outstanding peace officer, and a true Texan. I have the utmost confidence in Ron and in the entire TABC law enforcement staff. This is an exciting time for our agency.” Swenson got his start at TABC in 2005, starting as an enforcement agent at the agency’s Odessa office. He was later promoted to oversee the SIU and the unit’s investigations into human trafficking, narcotics trafficking and other organized criminal activity. Following that, he was appointed as deputy chief of law enforcement for the agency’s Investigations Bureau, which includes SIU as well as the agency’s criminal intelligence, financial crimes, victim services, and Target Responsibility for Alcohol-Connected Emergencies (TRACE) units. Before joining TABC, Swenson served with the Horizon City Police Department for 11 years. Swenson is a graduate of the FBI National Academy - 212th session, the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Covert Operations School and the Governor’s Executive Development Program. He holds a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Master Peace Officer Certificate as well as a TCOLE instructor certification. He also serves on a number of task force boards, including the Austin-area FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, Texas Violent Gang Task Force and Texas Human Trafficking Prevention Coordinating Council. Media Contact: Chris Porter TABC Director of Communications (512) 206-3462 media@tabc.texas.gov
Read moreTABC announces 93% retailer compliance rate during back-to-school operations
AUSTIN — A statewide series of inspections by agents from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission found that 93% of retailers successfully prevented the sale of alcohol to minors during the busy back-to-school season. The inspections, called “underage compliance operations” (UCOs) by TABC, are part of the agency’s regular efforts to ensure retailers are aware of Texas’ laws against selling alcohol to customers younger than 21. While TABC enforcement agents conduct UCOs on a weekly basis, the back-to-school operations represent a statewide effort to inspect alcohol retailers located near major colleges or universities. In total, TABC agents visited 1,144 alcohol retailers throughout August and September, finding just 81 violations, or a 93% compliance rate. “This data tells us that the vast majority of Texas alcohol retailers take their customers’ safety seriously and are already working to hold their employees accountable,” said Thomas Graham, TABC Executive Director. “These retailers understand that they are the first line of defense when it comes to preventing alcohol-related injury or death, and all of us at TABC are grateful for their continued dedication to maintaining safe communities.” Businesses found selling alcohol to a minor could face a fine or a possible suspension of their license to sell alcohol. Employees who sell alcohol to a minor could face a class A misdemeanor charge punishable by a fine up to $4,000 and one year in jail. For more information on TABC, visit tabc.texas.gov. Media Contact: Chris Porter TABC Director of Communications (512) 206-3462 media@tabc.texas.gov
Read moreTABC agents seize illegal distillation equipment during Johnson County operation
AUSTIN — An anonymous tip led agents from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission to uncover and seize illegal distilling equipment during a successful operation Sept. 1. Agents from TABC’s Arlington Regional Office led the operation to seize the still, which was discovered at a residence in Johnson County. The still was maintained in operable condition, meaning it could be used to manufacture illicit alcohol in violation of state law. During an interview with TABC agents, a person living at the residence admitted to owning the equipment. Section 103.02 of the Alcoholic Beverage Code prohibits any person from possessing equipment “designed for, capable of use for, or used in manufacturing an illicit beverage,” including the possession of distillation equipment without a TABC Distiller’s and Rectifier’s Permit. The Code allows peace officers to seize any illicit alcoholic beverages along with any equipment used in their manufacture. “This operation exemplifies TABC’s commitment to properly enforcing the law and ensuring the safety and integrity of the alcoholic beverage industry in Texas,” TABC Executive Director Thomas Graham said. “Not only does illicit alcohol risk the health and safety of anyone who consumes it, but it also undermines the efforts of law-abiding alcohol manufacturers, distributors and retailers who continue the do the right thing when operating their businesses.” Possession of illicit distillation equipment is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine between $100–$1,000. The case remains under investigation. For more information on TABC, visit tabc.texas.gov. Media Contact: Chris Porter TABC Director of Communications (512) 206-3462 media@tabc.texas.gov
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