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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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 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
Read moreTABC, 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
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