TABC To Target Retailers Selling To Minors During Undercover Operation
Follow CBSDFW.COM: Facebook | Twitter
The Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission will be targeting retailers who sell to minors during a back-to-school undercover operation.
TABC's message is simple, many Texans are returning to college in the coming weeks and some will attempt to buy alcohol illegally, all retailers have to do is refuse to sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 21.
"The sale of alcohol to minors is a tremendous public safety concern which can lead to tragic events such as drunken driving accidents or worse," said Robert Saenz, TABC Chief of Enforcement. "This is the perfect time for retailers to review their policies and educate their employees on the dangers of selling alcohol to minors. We urge all license holders to protect their customers and their business by ensuring their patrons are of legal age to buy alcohol."
TABC agents will participate in an undercover operation across the state in an effort to identify retailers who illegally sell alcohol to minors. The operation includes the participation of minor-aged volunteers and will take place in early September in Texas counties with major universities or colleges. During these "minor stings," the under-21 volunteers, under the supervision of TABC agents, will attempt to purchase alcohol from retailers such as convenience stores or liquor stores. Establishments which sell to minors are placed on TABC's priority list, which results in closer scrutiny by agents for up to a year. These licensed establishments will also be issued an administrative notice for violating the Alcoholic Beverage Code, which may result in a suspension or an administrative civil penalty depending on the circumstances surrounding the violation. The store employee who sells alcohol to a minor may also face legal repercussions.
TABC conducted a similar operation in Spring 2015 where they targeted retailers along popular Texas Spring Break travel corridors. During that operation, agents conducted stings at 930 retailers across the state, resulting in 92 violations.
Employers are urged to help their employees review policies on checking ID prior to the start of school. Managers may take advantage of free TABC training and educational materials designed to help prevent the sale of alcohol to minors. To request training or materials, you can e-mail TABC.
For more information on TABC's efforts to curb underage drinking right here.
(©2015 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
