TABC Sting: 6 of 15 San Angelo Alcohol Retailers Sold Booze to a 17-Year-Old Minor

A Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission undercover operation on October 7 found that six out of 15 San Angelo retailers violated the Alcoholic Beverage Code by selling alcohol to a 17-year-old minor. The high failure rate of 40 percent is in contrast with the average statewide failure rate of around 10 percent, and will result in increased TABC operations to ensure retailers are brought back into compliance with the law.

TABC did not name what San Angelo establishments were snared in the sting.

The violations occurred during a "minor sting," in which minor-aged volunteers attempt to purchase alcohol from retailers while in the presence of two undercover TABC agents. The minor must use his or her valid Texas ID during the operation. TABC frequently conducts minor stings at businesses which have been the subject of complaints by citizens, law enforcement agencies or parents, said Major Mark Menn, Regional Supervisor of Enforcement for the West Texas area.

"This operation shows that some retailers may need increased training or additional resources to help bring their businesses into compliance. TABC is willing to work with any business which requests training on the law or on ways to avoid these illegal sales to minors," Menn said. "However, retailers should know that they risk serious fines or the loss of their liquor license if they sell to a minor."

Penalties for selling alcohol to a minor include fines or a liquor license/permit suspension for the business, as well as potential misdemeanor charges for the employee who conducts the sale.

"Our goal is voluntary compliance among our license and permit holders," Menn said. "When we have such a high percentage of businesses selling to an obviously underaged customer, it can't be taken lightly. We'll be following up in the near future with more sting operations. This is a serious public safety issue and it's our mission to address it."