Wednesday, October 1, 2014

What Federal & State Agencies Regulate Alcoholic Beverages In Texas

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission regulates alcohol in the state.


Each state has unique laws and agencies dealing with alcohol and liquor control, and Texas is no exception. It is important for anybody buying or consuming alcohol in Texas to be aware of what authorities they may have to interact with, and the exact powers they may use in the course of their mission.


Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives


The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives or ATF, is the federal government's agency for handling non-illegal drug related smuggling and crimes. Its role in alcohol enforcement in Texas is to ensure no counterfeit alcohol is smuggled into the state, that taxes are being properly collected on any alcohol being delivered to Texas, and that no criminal organizations are selling alcohol across state lines. The ATF is mostly responsible for interstate and international crimes involving alcohol.


Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives


1114 Commerce Street, Room 303


Dallas, TX 75242


469-227-4300


atf.gov


Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission


The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, once called the Texas Liquor Control Board, is directly responsible for all alcohol within Texas, from the production of alcohol to its distribution and sale. It is even responsible for the behavior of bar patrons and owners, and may conduct raids if patrons leave a bar excessively intoxicated. All members of the commission are both regulators and fully licensed state police with the authority to arrest suspects in any part of the state of Texas. However, they rarely do so.


Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission


5806 Mesa Dr


Austin, Texas 78731


512-206-3333


tabc.state.tx.us/


Texas Department of Public Safety


Although it does not necessarily create any regulations, the Texas Department of Public Safety, also known as the state troopers, can be called on to inspect areas under the TABC's jurisdiction. Under Texas law, the TABC are state police, so they share the same jurisdiction. State police may file charges and make arrests if they see those regulations being violated. In addition, state police may arrest and incarcerate drunk drivers and people who have become aggressive under the influence.


Texas Department of Public Safety


5805 North Lamar Blvd.


Austin, Texas 78752


512-424-2000


txdps.state.tx.us/

Tags: Alcoholic Beverage, Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Beverage Commission, Texas Alcoholic, Texas Alcoholic Beverage, Alcohol Tobacco, Alcohol Tobacco Firearms