Russell Thomas and the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) have announced upcoming compliance checks to prevent alcohol sales to minors. These efforts underscore the agency’s commitment to public safety and responsible alcohol sales. Local Memphis 24 has the full story.
Stepping Up Compliance Checks
Russell Thomas emphasized improving compliance from licensees, especially during the summer months when underage consumption tends to rise. “We see an increase in underage consumption throughout the summer months, and we want to do everything we can to discourage it,” Thomas stated. Additionally, alarming statistics from TABC law enforcement agents revealed a dismal compliance rate in May. About half of the establishments checked sold to minors in to-go sales.
Adapting to New Challenges
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the TABC has adapted its strategies. These include curbside and to-go order compliance checks at liquor-by-the-drink establishments. Despite these efforts, ongoing challenges persist, with only a small percentage of bars and restaurants offering alcohol to-go.
Thomas and Chief Law Enforcement Officer Bond Tubbs stressed the seriousness of underage sales, citing numerous public complaints. “Going forward, we will issue regulatory citations, including a monetary fine, as Tennessee law prescribes to those who sell to a minor. Furthermore, the server or clerk will receive a misdemeanor criminal citation and regulatory citation that could possibly lead to the revocation of their server permit,” Tubbs explained.
Ensuring Year-Round Compliance
The TABC conducts year-round compliance checks funded partly by the Tennessee Highway Safety Office grant. These checks aim to foster responsibility among alcohol vendors. Establishments receiving warnings or citations will be rechecked within 90 days to ensure compliance.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the TABC has checked 177 establishments selling alcohol to-go. Significantly, 69 of these sold alcohol to a minor, resulting in a compliance rate of only 61%. The leadership of Russell Thomas and the diligent work of the TABC are pivotal in creating a safer environment for all Tennesseans. By addressing underage alcohol sales directly, Russell Thomas and the TABC reinforce the message that illegal sales to minors will not be tolerated, promoting public safety and responsible alcohol consumption.