TABC poised to begin undercover underage drinking stings

File / eExtra News

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission recently announced it will soon be conducting undercover underage drinking stings near Texas universities. TABC agents will also work directly with businesses to make sure they are scanning IDs to identify minors who are using false identification to buy alcohol.

The operation will run through early September. During the operation, TABC will hire minors to enter businesses and attempt to purchase alcohol. If a sale takes place, agents will enter the business and notify managers of the violation.

This is part of the agency’s effort to ensure alcohol is sold safely and responsibly during the busy back-to-school season especially.

Selling alcohol to a minor is a Class A Misdemeanor, and is punishable upon conviction by a fine of up to $4,000 and up to one year in jail. Cited businesses might also have to pay an additional fine and may have their license to sell alcohol temporarily suspended. Minors who use a fake ID to purchase alcohol could face a Class C Misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500.