The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission announced Wednesday they will conduct sting operations statewide during Spring Break.
According to TABC, the campaign is designed to identify retailers who sell alcohol to underage customers during Spring Break. The operations are called “minor stings” by the agency.
The stings will take place along popular travel corridors between Texas college or university campuses and the Texas Gulf Coast, the TABC stated. During the week of March 12-17, agents will conduct undercover operations at South Padre Island and SXSW music festival in Austin.
Undercover teams of TABC agents accompanied by a minor-aged individual who attempts to purchase alcohol will be involved in the stings. According to the commission, retailers who sell to underage customers are notified of the violation and employees taking part in a sale are cited for a Class A misdemeanor charge of providing alcohol to a minor.
In 2017, TABC agents conducted 1,546 undercover inspections, finding 110 violations for a compliance rate of 93 percent. In total, the agency conducted a total of 10,796 undercover stings in the last 12 months, finding 1,176 violations.
Robert Saenz, TABC’s Deputy Executive Director for Enforcement said the operation’s goal is not to put people out of business.
“We want to ensure that any alcohol sold during this busy season is done so safely and legally, and TABC will continue to serve as a resource for retailers who have questions about the law and its impact on their day-to-day operations,” Saenz said.
Business could face a fine or temporary suspension of their license to sell alcohol. TABC stated repeat offenders could have their license revoked by the agency.
TABC will visit stores prior to the stings to educate them about the planned operations and to give their employees a chance to review best practices related to safe alcohol sales.
