Austin Alcohol Retailers:
To assist Governor Abbott's goal to promote public health and safety in the Austin area, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission is reminding alcohol retailers in Austin of their duty to prevent common public safety risks on their premises.
Texas alcohol retailers have a responsibility to maintain a safe environment and ensure the safety of all patrons, guests, and employees present on their licensed or permitted premises as defined in Section 11.49 of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code. The premises may include sidewalks, parking lots, or other areas controlled by the business.
As such, TABC encourages all alcohol retail establishments to make sure their employees understand how to identify potentially intoxicated patrons and how to refuse any sale or service of alcohol that could endanger public safety. Retailers should also ensure that their building exits are safe and free of obstruction, that they observe legal drinking age requirements, and that they display all required signage as outlined in the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code.
Retailers also have a duty to report breaches of the peace that occur on their licensed or permitted premises. This means retailers should immediately notify law enforcement of any public safety concerns in and around their licensed business. Breaches of the peace or suspected Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code violations should be reported to TABC using the free TABC:Mobile smartphone app.
License and permit holders can direct their questions regarding this letter to TABC’s Austin Regional Enforcement Office, (512) 206-3333.
