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 https://www.tabc.texas.gov.

Media Contact:

Chris Porter

Director of Communications

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