Saturday, March 10, 2007

TABC finds that Fort Worth sells a lot of alcohol to underage buyers

By Pegasus News wire

On March 4, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) agents statewide conducted minor stings along the I-35 corridor and other major arteries leading to the Coast, including I-37, I-45, US Highway 59 and US Highway 77. Under the supervision of TABC enforcement agents, young people attempted to buy alcoholic beverages in retail establishments across Texas.

Teenagers attempted to purchase alcoholic beverages at a total of 575 retail locations, but only 73 resulted in illegal sales of alcohol to minors – an 87 percent compliance rate. This is an improvement from the 85 percent compliance rate in March 2006.

Compliance rates varied from one city to another. The most successful operations were in the Waco and McAllen areas, which had compliance rates of 97 percent and 98 percent respectively.

The operation in the Fort Worth District, however, resulted in a 52 percent compliance when 12 out of 25 retailers sold alcoholic beverages to the teenagers.

“This is the second year that the agency has held a statewide minor sting corresponding with Spring Break,” said TABC administrator Alan Steen, “and we are again pleased with the results. Last year, agents visited 368 retail locations in 22 counties across the state with an 85 percent compliance rate overall.”

Although the major part of the operation is over, minor stings will continue to take place across the state through the rest of March, and throughout the year.

A store employee who sells alcohol to a minor faces criminal charges for a Class A misdemeanor, resulting in a fine up to $4,000, up to a year in jail, or both. The store itself faces administrative charges that could result in a fine, suspension, or cancellation of its permit.

Source: Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission

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