Under the Alcoholic Beverage Code "the Commission may exercise all powers, duties, and functions conferred by this code, and all powers incidental, necessary, or convenient to the administration of this code. It shall inspect, supervise and regulate every phase of the business of manufacturing, importing, exporting, transporting, storing, selling, advertising, labeling and distributing alcoholic beverages, and the possession of alcoholic beverages for the purpose of sale or otherwise."

"This code is an exercise of the police power of the state for the protection of the welfare, health, peace, temperance and safety of the people of the state. It shall be liberally construed to accomplish this purpose."

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code is a comprehensive set of laws refined over the years by the various legislatures which have addressed the issues of the day. The code strongly asserts itself on the issues which gave rise to prohibition and protects against involvement of the criminal element in beverage alcohol trafficking. The legislature has very strictly prohibited persons who have been convicted of certain crimes from obtaining licenses or permits. Also prohibited is "tied house" violations where ownership overlaps the three marketing levels (manufacturing, wholesaling and retailing) in the beverage alcohol industry.

Through a system of reviewing all shipments of alcoholic beverages into Texas, coupled with a review of transfer of merchandise between wholesalers, the separation of levels is scrutinized closely. Background investigations and other research is undertaken during the process which occurs when a person applies for a permit or license to operate in some phase of the industry. In this way, ownership by others involved at different levels can be detected, as well as those factors which would tend to disqualify an applicant on account of previous criminal history or indebtedness to the state for taxes.

Who We Are, What We Do   Video Length: 7 minutes 03 seconds

The Enforcement Division is the largest and the most visible division of the agency. This division is responsible for the actual law enforcement activities of the alcoholic beverage laws. Individuals employed in this division are commissioned peace officers of the state. Enforcement agents are charged with enforcing the Alcoholic Beverage Code and other laws of the state. Activities include investigations for minors in possession, public intoxication, bootlegging, prostitution, gambling, narcotics, weapons, and organized criminal activities. Enforcement agents also provide regular instruction to school children, licensees and their employees, and to members of civic groups to promote a better understanding of the law and voluntary compliance.

In addition, a Marketing Practices section within this division oversees the labeling, bottling, and promotion of alcoholic beverage products. For information call (512) 206-3400.

The License and Compliance Division consists of the Licensing and Compliance Departments. The Licensing Department is responsible for issuing 85,000 licenses and permits throughout the state and the world.

It is through the process of issuing the 61 different licenses and permits that regulatory control is established. An individual must hold the proper license or permit to be able to operate in the alcoholic beverage business. For information call (512) 206-3360.

The Division's Compliance Department is responsible for the performance of compliance audits and preparation of written reports to ensure adherence with the Alcoholic Beverage Code and for ensuring the proper amount of tax/fee has been reported and paid. It processes and verifies excise tax reports for correctness and oversees compliance with financial requirements of the Alcoholic Beverage Code. For information call (512) 206-3300.

The Ports of Entry Section, under the division, is responsible for assuring compliance with personal importation laws and for collecting taxes and administrative fees on alcoholic beverages imported into Texas from Mexico. They also monitor compliance with laws regarding importation of cigarettes into Texas and collect the applicable taxes. Agency personnel are stationed at all major bridges along the Texas-Mexico border. For information call (512) 206-3351.

The Resource Management Division is responsible for services provided to the other divisions and the executive level of the agency. The division includes several departments:

• The Human Resources Department handles all employment related activities, including but not limited to the following areas: recruitment and selection, benefits and compensation, employee relations, classification, training, and equal employment/affirmative action. For information call (512) 206-3220.

• The General Services Department is responsible for housekeeping functions of the agency. This includes the agency's printing, mailroom facilities, the central store, maintenance of all lease and inventory records, and purchasing of all equipment and supplies for the agency. For information call (512) 206-3254.

• The Information Resources Department is responsible for maintaining the data processing activities of the agency and assisting other divisions in processing their work load. Additionally, this division is responsible for printing and reconciling all of the various licenses and permits and other agency reports. For information call (512) 206-3457.

• The Fiscal Services Department is responsible for all fiscal operations of the agency: from revenue processing, accounts payable, payroll, time and leave accounting, and maintenance of the general ledger to preparation and oversight of the agency's Legislative Appropriation Request (Budget), Annual Report, and performance reports. For information call (512) 206-3225.

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission Legal Department is staffed by attorneys from the Office of the Attorney General with support staff provided by the Commission. The staff reviews and prosecutes administrative violations of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code by permittees and licensees. It also reviews and prosecutes application protests filed by the Commission, local authorities and citizens to the issuance of original and renewal licenses and permits.

The Legal Department also handles general legal work for the Commission. For information call (512) 206-3490.