San Angelo Drinking Establishments Survive Back-to-School TABC Sting Without Complaints

SAN ANGELO, TX — The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) has reported a commendable outcome for its recent back-to-school enforcement initiative, revealing that 93 percent of alcohol retailers, restaurants, and bars across the state effectively thwarted the sale of alcoholic beverages to minors.

In San Angelo, during the most recent enforcement campaign, TABC records indicate that only one drinking establishment, namely Twin Peaks located at 1601 Knickerbocker Road, underwent investigation for potential alcohol sales to minors in the current year. This investigation of Twin Peaks was initiated on May 30, 2023, and concluded on June 26, 2023, with no criminal or administrative infractions identified upon closure.

The recent inspections, referred to as "underage compliance operations" (UCOs) by TABC, form part of the agency's routine efforts to ensure that retailers remain well-informed about Texas' stringent laws concerning the sale of alcoholic beverages to individuals under 21. While TABC enforcement agents routinely conduct UCOs on a weekly basis, the back-to-school operations are part of a larger statewide endeavor to assess alcohol retailers in proximity to major colleges and universities.

In total, TABC agents conducted visits to 1,144 alcohol retailers statewide during the months of August and September, identifying only 81 violations, resulting in an impressive 93% compliance rate. Notably, no establishments in San Angelo were cited for violations during the back-to-school UCO.

While San Angelo's drinking establishments managed to steer clear of any allegations during the back-to-school UCO operation, local TABC agents have been busy in other respects this year. In addition to the investigation involving Twin Peaks, three other establishments within the San Angelo area have undergone TABC scrutiny:

1. Giz N Hums, located at 1425 W. Beauregard Ave., received attention for selling alcohol to an intoxicated person. The complaint was filed on July 18 and concluded on September 1, with no criminal or administrative violations reported.
2. Lisa’z, situated at 1002 Martin Luther King Boulevard, faced charges related to a breach of the peace, failure to report such an incident, possession or permitting the possession of drugs, and the sale of alcohol to an intoxicated person. The investigation commenced on January 20 and concluded on April 6, with no administrative or criminal violations recorded.
3. Whiskey River, found at 125 E. Concho Ave., was cited for aggravated breach of the peace and the sale of alcohol to an intoxicated person. The investigation was initiated on January 28 and resolved on February 28, with no administrative or criminal violations discovered.