The most-viewed news stories on the TABC website reflect a year of transformation for the agency — one that included new leadership, major enforcement operations, and the regulation of the state's hemp industry.
It was an undoubtedly busy year for TABC, so we wanted to take a look back. We compiled a list of the five most-viewed news releases posted in 2025.
You can be the first to see our news releases by signing up for TABC Notifications and following us on social media.
TABC agents, staff working with retailers to promote safe alcohol sales and consumption during 2025 holiday season
AUSTIN — As Texas heads into the 2025 holiday season, agents with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) will be active in communities across the state to promote safe, responsible alcohol sales and prevent underage access to alcohol during one of the busiest times of year for retailers.
Throughout the holidays, TABC agents and auditors will be in liquor stores, bars, restaurants, and other businesses that sell alcohol, focusing on education, compliance checks, and cooperative efforts with retailers to ensure proper ID verification and prevent sales to minors. These efforts are part of TABC’s annual holiday public safety operations.
Dozens of TABC’s commissioned peace officers will take part in compliance operations, including minor sales investigations and increased patrols in high-traffic areas. The goal is two-fold: protecting the public and helping businesses maintain compliance during the surge in alcohol sales that occurs around holidays and end-of-year celebrations.
“Our focus during the holiday season is on partnership, prevention, and public safety,” said Thomas W. Graham, Executive Director of TABC. “We work closely with retailers to make sure their employees are trained, supported, and confident when it comes to checking IDs and refusing sales when appropriate. Responsible alcohol sales are essential to keeping Texas communities safe, especially during this busy time of year.”
Agents will also work directly with businesses to help identify fraudulent IDs and share real-world examples of the most common methods used by minors attempting to purchase alcohol, Graham added.
“Education is our first line of defense,” he said. “We would much rather help retailers get it right than take enforcement action. Our goal is compliance, not punishment — and the best outcomes come when we work together.”
Businesses that sell alcohol to individuals under the age of 21 may face a civil fine, suspension or cancellation of their liquor license. Employees who make an illegal sale may also face criminal charges, including a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000. For more information on responsible alcohol sales, training resources, or TABC enforcement programs, visit www.tabc.texas.gov.
Media Contact:
Chris Porter
Director of Communications
media@tabc.texas.gov
Meeting documents posted for Dec. 11 Public Hearing
Join TABC staff by video conference to discuss rules proposed by the commission and published in the Texas Register for public comment.
Review the full text of the proposed rules by accessing the Dec. 5 edition of the Texas Register or by accessing the link below.
After these proposed rules are published in the Texas Register and a 30-day formal comment period has lapsed, the rules will be eligible for adoption at a subsequent TABC commission meeting.
Industry Notice: Provisional Product Registration and Impact of Federal Government Reopening
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission began accepting and approving Provisional Product Registration Applications last month when the U.S. federal government shut down. However, the government reopened on Nov. 13, which means TABC is no longer accepting or approving provisional applications, and any business with an approved provisional product registration must take prompt action in accordance with TABC Rule 45.12.
Agenda and meeting documents posted for Nov. 18 commission meeting
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. Central time.
Watch or listen live from your internet browser by using the video player at the bottom of our Agency Meetings page. You can also attend the meeting at our Austin headquarters in the Commission Meeting Room.
Members of the public who attend in person can register at the meeting to address the commission during time set aside for public comment. The online form to sign up for virtual public comment closes every Monday before the commission meeting.
