TABC TODAY 2004 Neon Fall04

User Manual: 2004 Neon

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To help the public and industry stay informedo help the public and industry stay informed

o help the public and industry stay informedo help the public and industry stay informed

o help the public and industry stay informed

on the quickly changing status of local optionon the quickly changing status of local option

on the quickly changing status of local option

election results, election results,

election results, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage

Commission has added a new web page to its web site.

To access the list of local option petitions and

election results by county, go to the TABC home page

at www.tabc.state.tx.us and click on the “Local Option

Elections” icon.

NEW LAW IMPACT

A new law passed last year

making it easier than ever for

a community to “go wet” or

legalize the sale of alcoholic

beverages. Requirements for

holding elections to vote on

the wet/dry status of a com-

munity were relaxed, resulting

in a surge of statewide local

option elections.

Before September 1, 2003,

the law stated an election

could not be held until 35

percent of all registered voters

signed a petition—and the

signatures had to be collected

within 30 days. The new law

extends the period to 60 days.

On certain ballot issues, the new law also reduces

the number of signatures required to 35 percent of the

people who voted in the last gubernatorial election.

Having more time to recruit a smaller number of

supporters has encouraged many groups to start petition

drives. Many have already succeeded in legalizing the

sale of certain types of alcoholic beverages in their

community. Additionally, cities located in multiple

counties can now hold local option elections.

WHAT IS A LOCAL OPTION ELECTION?

Those familiar with the Texas alcoholic beverage

industry know the voters in the counties, cities, and

individual judicial precincts have local control over

what types of alcoholic beverages can be legally sold.

TABC TODAY

TABC

P.O. Box 13127

Austin, Texas 78711

Tel: 512.206.3333

www.tabc.state.tx.us

Serving the State of Texas Since 1935 . . .

with Courtesy, Integrity, Service

INSIDE

Administrator’s 2

Corner

Marketing

Practices

Bulletins 2

Enforcement 3

Division

Reorganization

Strategic Plan 3

Smith County 4

Sheriff Wins 2004

Bert Ford Award

After-Hour Sales 4

Don’t Gamble 5

Your Permit Away

Technology 5

Transformation

On Target

Youth Attend 5

Power Camp

Seller Training 6

Certification

Seller Training 6

News Conferences

Seller Training 6

Seminars

EUDL Grants 7

Awarded

Upcoming 7

Commission

Meetings

Grant Recipient 7

Targets Parents

You Asked 8

TABC TODAY

Summer/FallSummer/Fall

Summer/Fall 2004 2004

2004 2004

2004

A community can be totally dry meaning the sale of

any type of alcoholic beverage is illegal. Currently,

Texas has 49 totally dry counties.

Local option elections give citizens the opportunity

to decide if alcoholic beverages should or should not

be sold in their communities. Communities can legalize

a wide range of options such as only beer only for off-

premises consumption; or beer, wine and distilled spirits

for on- or off-premises

consumption; and nearly

anything in between.

RECENT ELECTION RESULTS

Of the 82 issues voted

on between September

2003 and September 2004,

13 have failed. However,

the cities of Lockhart and

Conroe were the only two

communities to become

entirely “wet,” legalizing the

sale of all alcoholic bever-

ages for on- or off-premises

consumption.

Thirty-two communities

legalized the sale of alco-

holic beverages only in

restaurants with food and

beverage certificates, and

27 communities legalized the sale of beer and wine for

off-premises consumption. Four legalized beer and

wine, three legalized all alcoholic beverages only for

off-premises consumption and one legalized beer only

for off-premises consumption.

QUESTIONS?

For information about specific election procedures,

contact the Texas Secretary of State’s Office or visit their

web site at www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/laws/

liquorelections.shtml

For questions on licensing, protests or related issues,

contact your local TABC district office. Find your local

office phone number and address on our web site at

http://www.tabc.state.tx.us/contact/default.htm

New web page lists election status by county

TABC KEEPS TABS ON LATEST

LOCAL OPTION ELECTION RESULTS

TABC expects a surge of up toABC expects a surge of up to

ABC expects a surge of up toABC expects a surge of up to

ABC expects a surge of up to

five percent of new licensed re-five percent of new licensed re-

five percent of new licensed re-

tailers through fiscal year 2005.tailers through fiscal year 2005.

tailers through fiscal year 2005.

ThereafterThereafter

Thereafter, T, T

, T, T

, TABC projectionsABC projections

ABC projectionsABC projections

ABC projections

call for a steady decline in newcall for a steady decline in new

call for a steady decline in new

elections and an increase inelections and an increase in

elections and an increase in

business failures.business failures.

business failures.

The increase in business fail-The increase in business fail-

The increase in business fail-

ures should partially offset theures should partially offset the

ures should partially offset the

previous increase in licensedprevious increase in licensed

previous increase in licensed

premises, limiting real growthpremises, limiting real growth

premises, limiting real growth

during the five-year period toduring the five-year period to

during the five-year period to

approximately three percent.approximately three percent.

approximately three percent.

-TT

TABC Strategic Plan 2005-2009ABC Strategic Plan 2005-2009

ABC Strategic Plan 2005-2009ABC Strategic Plan 2005-2009

ABC Strategic Plan 2005-2009

TABC TABC T

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designed to clarify these issues was to publish

a Marketing Practices Bulletin that presents

questions about interpretations of the law

and decisions made by the agency.

Currently, we release these issues-based

bulletins to our field staff across the state,

and then within a few days, they’re released

to the public. Soon these bulletins will be

posted on the agency web site in a searchable

format to make it even easier for our

customers to find the answers they need.

Marketing Practices sends bulletins by e-

mail and regular mail. If you’d like to receive

them, please contact Dexter Jones at

dexter.jones@tabc.state.tx.us or call 512-

206-3411.

As the agency becomes even more focused

on being a good neighbor, I expect better

ADMINISTRDMINISTR

DMINISTRDMINISTR

DMINISTRAA

ATORTOR

TORTOR

TOR’’

’’

’SS

CORNERORNER

ORNERORNER

ORNER

During the past yearDuring the past year

During the past year, I’ve made, I’ve made

, I’ve made, I’ve made

, I’ve made

several organizational changes toseveral organizational changes to

several organizational changes to

ensure the consistency of law inter-ensure the consistency of law inter-

ensure the consistency of law inter-

pretation and enforcement, improvepretation and enforcement, improve

pretation and enforcement, improve

communications, and provide first-communications, and provide first-

communications, and provide first-

rate customer service.rate customer service.

rate customer service.

To further these goals, I recently transferred

the marketing practice function from

Enforcement Division to the Executive Office.

I’d like to share my vision of this change

and discuss its impact on the industry.

Since I’ve been at TABC, I’ve been looking

for ways to be more proactive in the work

we do with the industry. I needed a structure

in this area that would provide me with a

more direct line of communication with my

staff and industry. The first step in that

direction involved moving the Marketing

Practices Section under my supervision.

This organizational structure allows me

to be more involved and responsive when

faced with important issues that come to the

commission for consideration. Also, this will

give me a greater understanding of industry-

wide initiatives as opposed to individual

company needs.

Another reason I made this move was to

distinguish between interpreting and

enforcing the law. One of the first initiatives

To improve internalo improve internal

o improve internalo improve internal

o improve internal

and external com-and external com-

and external com-

munications, newmunications, new

munications, new

Marketing PracticesMarketing Practices

Marketing Practices

coordinatorcoordinator

coordinator, ,

, ,

, DexterDexter

DexterDexter

Dexter

Jones, beganJones, began

Jones, began

pubpub

pub--

lishinglishing

lishing

bulletins tobulletins to

bulletins to

clarify marketing isclarify marketing is

clarify marketing is--

sues.sues.

sues.

Marketing Practices policies and issues

are presented and explained in these

bulletins. These clarifications ensure a

more consistent application of the law

across the state.

The bulletins are distributed to TABC

personnel and public subscribers by e-

mail or regular mail.

If you want to subscribe, contact

Dexter Jones at 512-206-3411 or

dexter.jones@tabc.state.tx.us

communications and faster action for issue

resolution. I want folks to be comfortable

coming to us for help, and I expect our staff

to provide first-rate customer assistance.

I’m determined this agency will provide

clear, accurate and timely information in all

areas—not just Marketing Practices. I’ll

continue my commitment to explore innovative

ways to improve communications with the

people we regulate. Good communications

leads to greater consistency in how laws are

interpreted and enforced across the state.

The great state of Texas is growing faster

than anyone can keep up–but we’re excited

about the pace and eagerly look forward to

the future, the challenges and the inherent

rewards they will bring to all of us.

MARKETING PRACTICES BULLETINS TELL IT LIKE IT IS

BULLETIN SUMMARIES BY ISSUE NUMBER

MPB001MPB001

MPB001. After a local option election, beer distributors may give neon signs to retailers about

to be engaged in brewery products the same way as distributors give signs to licensed retailers.

However, beer distributors may not provide advertisement that would benefit a specific retailer,

such as outdoor unbranded signs that state: “Beer Coming Soon.”

MPB002MPB002

MPB002. Texas wineries may offer wine samplings on the premises of retail accounts authorized

to sell that product. Such samplings must be independent of the retailer and must be administered in

its entirety by the holder of a Winery Permit and/or their employees.

MPB003MPB003

MPB003. In the past, TABC allowed beer manufacturers to furnish and install CO2 filters on beer

dispensing lines in retail accounts. Upon reconsideration, TABC ruled the CO2 filter was equipment

not necessary for the proper dispensing of malt beverages. Therefore, the filter could not be sold,

loaned or given to the retailer by the manufacturer. Subsequently, the original decision was reversed.

MPB004. MPB004.

MPB004. TABC provided a guideline detailing the correct method to measure distance between a

billboard or electric sign and licensed premises. The correct method shall be to measure in a direct

line from the base of the billboard or electric sign to the nearest physical structure (edge of building)

of the licensed premises.

MPB005. MPB005.

MPB005. With regard to Rule 50.10 (d)(2), all other things being equal, a retailer’s seller-server

policies and procedures that appear on a computerized cash register, in view of the sales clerk every

time an alcohol sale is attempted, will be given the same consideration as the policies and procedures

displayed on the wall in a prominent location within the licensed establishment. p

“I’m determined this

agency will provide con-

sistent, accurate and

timely information in all

areas. With improved

communications comes

faster issue resolution.”

- Alan Steen, TABC Administrator

Dexter Jones

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ENFORCEMENT REORGANIZATION

TO IMPROVE CUSTOMER SERVICE

Recently, Administrator Alan Steen

reorganized the Enforcement Division

in Headquarters to build a stronger support

network across the state that will provide

improved communications and customer

service to our field staff, industry and general

public. The new structure maximizes

resources and enables staff to develop

critical program areas.

An important part of the reorganization

involved building a top team of highly skilled

and experienced staff who will lead the

agency’s efforts to consistently enforce the

law, and to build community partnerships

that prevent underage drinking, promote the

benefits of seller training, and decrease sales

to intoxicated people.

“Everyone answers questions, reviews

work, answers the phones, and generally

keeps the division moving in a forward

direction with ‘communication’ being the

main goal,” said Chief of Enforcement Sam

Smelser. “Any member of the team can

answer questions and assist with any task

assigned to our Enforcement Division.”

Enforcement Headquarters

Management Team

GLENDA BAKER,,

, former major of the

Conroe Region, assumed duties as assistant

chief to manage headquarters operations

last April. Chief Baker coordinates tasks

requiring the cooperation of other divisions

and oversees licensing standards in-

vestigations, enforcement budget and

division staffing patterns.

A TABC employee for nearly 26 years,

Chief Baker began her career as a temporary

clerk and later became an enforcement

agent. She worked her way up the ranks to

become one of the first regional supervisors

and has also served as acting chief of

Enforcement.

She’s received numerous awards and

recognition for her work, including the

prestigious Leadership Award from the

International Association of Women Police.

Chief Baker is a member of the Texas

Peace Officers Association, the Texas

Municipal Police Association, and the South

Texas Association of Women in Law En-

forcement.

ROD VENNER,,

, former lieutenant at the El

Paso District Office, joined the Enforcement

Headquarters staff in May as a deputy

assistant chief. Venner manages field

operations, including review of work product,

equipment use and issuance, accident review

and training issues.

Before joining the agency more than 16

years ago, Venner earned his bachelor’s

degree in criminal justice. During his career

with TABC, he has served in the Houston,

Lubbock, Amarillo and El Paso district offices.

“Rod is a team player who is always

seeking out partnerships with other agencies

that can be beneficial to us,” said Chief Sam

Smelser.

JOEL MORENO,,

, former captain of the

Odessa Regional Office, was promoted to

deputy assistant chief. His new duties include

the oversight of existing grant programs,

applications for new grants, and im-

plementation and monitoring of prevention

programs.

Moreno began his career with the agency

20 years ago after earning his bachelor’s

degree in criminal justice. During his career,

he has served in the McAllen, Houston, and

Corpus Christi district offices and Odessa

Regional Office.

“In addition to his regular duties, Joel has

been instrumental in presenting and

promoting our Shattered Dreams and Project

S.A.V.E. projects,” said Chief Smelser.

Top team bridges communication gap between staff and stakeholders

Now on agency web site

Strategic Plan Meets

Public/Staff Needs

Before submitting the TABC Strategic

Plan for fiscal years 2005-2009 to the

Legislative Budget Board and the Gov-

ernor’s Office in July, the agency sought

input from staff and stakeholders from

across the state.

Based on comments and suggestions

received, limiting external factors, and

existing objectives, the agency developed

strategic management goals.

2005-2009 STRATEGIC GOALS

• To ensure efficiencies and streamlining

are identified and implemented where

possible as the agency moves through

its licensing technology transformation,

while pursuing legislative changes to

eliminate impediments.

• To focus enforcement programs on

identifying retailers who sell to intoxi-

cated persons and minors.

• To continue to encourage retailers to

take advantage of seller-training

benefits.

• To continue to focus educational efforts

that will have the most immediate effect

for members of the alcoholic beverage

industry, school-aged children and

college-aged adults.

• To stay current in the methods of oper-

ation among upper tiers of industry.

• To strengthen partnerships with coali-

tions, groups, and industry members

that will raise awareness in issues

regarding the sale of alcoholic bever-

ages to minors and intoxicated persons.

• To focus on training new and current

staff as part of succession planning to

compensate for the loss of institutional

knowledge.

• To continue expanding efforts in

effective internal and external com-

munication.

• To ensure agency employees receive

fair pay, as available, based on respon-

sibilities.

To review the Strategic Plan, go to the

agency’s web site at www.tabc.state.tx.us/

publications/default.htm p

CLIP AND SAVE

CONTACT INFORMATION

Chief Sam SmelserChief Sam Smelser

Chief Sam Smelser 512-206-3401512-206-3401

512-206-3401512-206-3401

512-206-3401

james.smelser@tabc.state.tx.usjames.smelser@tabc.state.tx.us

james.smelser@tabc.state.tx.us

Chief Glenda BakerChief Glenda Baker

Chief Glenda Baker 512-206-3402512-206-3402

512-206-3402512-206-3402

512-206-3402

glenda.baker@tabc.state.tx.usglenda.baker@tabc.state.tx.us

glenda.baker@tabc.state.tx.us

DEPEP

EPEP

EP A A

A A

SSTSST

SST C C

C C

HIEFHIEF

HIEF R R

R R

ODOD

OD V V

V V

ENNERENNER

ENNER 512-206-3427512-206-3427

512-206-3427512-206-3427

512-206-3427

rod.venner@tabc.state.tx.usrod.venner@tabc.state.tx.us

rod.venner@tabc.state.tx.us

DEPEP

EPEP

EP A A

A A

SSTSST

SST C C

C C

HIEFHIEF

HIEF J J

J J

OELOEL

OEL M M

M M

ORENOORENO

ORENO 512-206-3426512-206-3426

512-206-3426512-206-3426

512-206-3426

joel.moreno@tabc.state.tx.usjoel.moreno@tabc.state.tx.us

joel.moreno@tabc.state.tx.us

MAINAIN

AINAIN

AIN N N

N N

UMBERUMBER

UMBER 512-206-3400512-206-3400

512-206-3400512-206-3400

512-206-3400

• Were patrons intoxicated?

• Was the establishment profiting from

the activities?

Although this list is not exhaustive, we

will take these circumstances into consider-

ation when determining appropriate civil

penalties.

Please help keep our communities safe.

For more information on authorized service

hours and the Standard Penalty Chart, re-

fer to the Alcoholic Beverage Retailer’s

Guide available on the TABC web site at

www.tabc.state.tx.us

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SMITH COUNTY SHERIFF WINS 2004 BERT FORD AWARD

The sale and/or consumption of

alcoholic beverages at licensed

premises during prohibited hours have

become significant issues for TABC. These

actions can be detrimental to community

safety, as evidenced by the recent death of a

Houston fire fighter in an early morning fire

on a licensed premises.

For this reason, we want to remind

permittees that the agency is authorized to

review the circumstances of each law

violation and take appropriate action, up

to and including cancellation—even on a

In JulyIn July

In July, T, T

, T, T

, TABC awarded SmithABC awarded Smith

ABC awarded SmithABC awarded Smith

ABC awarded Smith

County Sheriff JCounty Sheriff J

County Sheriff J. B. B

. B. B

. B. Smith with. Smith with

. Smith with. Smith with

. Smith with

the 2004 Bert Fthe 2004 Bert F

the 2004 Bert Ford Sherifford Sheriff

ord Sherifford Sheriff

ord Sheriff’s’s

’s’s

’s

Commendation. TCommendation. T

Commendation. TABC Chief ofABC Chief of

ABC Chief ofABC Chief of

ABC Chief of

Enforcement Sam Smelser pre-Enforcement Sam Smelser pre-

Enforcement Sam Smelser pre-

sented the award at the Tsented the award at the T

sented the award at the Texasexas

exasexas

exas

SheriffSheriff

Sheriff’s Association Annual’s Association Annual

’s Association Annual’s Association Annual

’s Association Annual

Conference in WConference in W

Conference in Wichita Fichita F

ichita Fichita F

ichita Falls.alls.

alls.alls.

alls.

“Sheriff Smith is a dedicated law

enforcement officer who can be counted on

to help in any way possible. He constantly

strives to bring the law enforcement

community together, making sure all the

resources in the area are put to good use,”

said Debra Jones, acting captain of TABC

East Texas Region.

“His leadership and“His leadership and

“His leadership and

cooperation arecooperation are

cooperation are

precisely the qualitiesprecisely the qualities

precisely the qualities

for which thisfor which this

for which this

commendation wascommendation was

commendation was

intended.”intended.”

intended.”

—Debra Jones, acting captain

of TABC East Texas Region

Sheriff Smith took office in January 1977

and is in his sixth term. He is a graduate of

the National FBI Academy, Tyler Junior

College, and the University of Texas where

he earned a bachelor of science in criminal

justice. Sheriff Smith serves as chairman of

the East Texas Drug Enforcement Task Force,

and chairman and co-founder of the

Northeast Texas Sheriff’s Association. He has

been president of the Smith County Peace

Officer’s Association and currently serves on

the board of directors as immediate past

president of the Sheriff’s Association of Texas.

He is recognized for his support and

cooperation with all law enforcement

agencies. “Sheriff Smith is always willing to

assist us with public forums, special event

operations, county office space and personnel.

I have never been refused a request from

Sheriff Smith,” said TABC Lieutenant Trey Rusk

of the Longview District Office.

The Bert Ford Commendation recipient

receives a handgun suitable for routine

duties and a specially designed plaque. In

addition, Sheriff Smith’s name will be added

to a plaque that identifies each Bert Ford

Commendation recipient. The plaque will

be displayed at the Sheriff’s Association of

Texas headquarters.

TABC Chief of Enforcement Sam Smelser (second from right) presents Smith County Sheriff J. B.

Smith with the 2004 Bert Ford Sheriff’s Commendation for outstanding leadership in law enforce-

ment. TABC Assistant Chief of Enforcement Glenda Baker (left) and TABC Agent Kenneth Tullos

from Tyler (right) join in the presentation.

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age 4

first offense. TABC Administrative Rule

37.60(F) authorizes this deviation from the

Standard Penalty Chart.

When preparing an administrative case

with this type of violation, TABC will consider

these situations:

• What time was the violation? Was it

2:16 A.M. or 4 A.M.?

• How many people were involved? Was

it just the cleaning crew or was the bar

full of people?

• Have there been previous violations?

• Were minors involved?

AGENCY CRACKS DOWN ON AFTER-HOURS SALES

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Watching celebrities bet thousands

of dollars on television is thrilling;

especially when the viewer knows what hand

the other players have. Eight-liner machines

bring a Las Vegas style of gambling to those

who are not card sharks.

The popularity of games such as Texas

Hold’em and eight-liner machines present

a common question, “Can I hold a poker

tournament or have eight-liners on my li-

censed premises?”

It is illegal to gamble in the state of Texas.

Section 47.02(3) of the Texas Penal Code

states that a person commits an offense if

he or she plays and bets money or anything

of value at any game played with cards,

dice, balls or other gambling device. Crimi-

nal charges can be filed against a person

found gambling, and he or she may be fined

up to $500.

This statute is designed to prohibit orga-

nized gambling but would not prevent people

from having a poker game at their house or

DON’T GAMBLE

YOUR PERMIT AWAY

betting with a golf partner.

According to the Texas Alcoholic Bev-

erage Commission Administrative Rules,

gambling on a licensed premises is a

“place or manner of operation” violation.

If a permit holder violates the gambling

statute or allows someone to gamble on

the premises, then their permit or license

may be suspended or cancelled.

Possession of eight-liner machines or

sponsoring a poker tournament on your li-

censed premises is not by itself illegal. The

way the games are played and what benefit

the player receives from playing the game is

what determines if it is illegal gambling or

not. There are several ways that these games

can be played lawfully.

If you are planning on holding a poker

tournament or have eight-liners in your busi-

ness, contact the District Attorney’s Office

in your area to ensure these games can be

played in a legal manner.

Last spring, the agencyast spring, the agency

ast spring, the agencyast spring, the agency

ast spring, the agency began a began a

began a began a

began a

multiphase technology transformultiphase technology transfor

multiphase technology transfor--

mation to update its decades-oldmation to update its decades-old

mation to update its decades-old

mainframe and applications databasemainframe and applications database

mainframe and applications database

systems to a modern enterprise environment.

The new web-based system enhances the

agency’s ability to develop customer-friendly

enhancements, such as faster processing of

renewal applications. As a result, TABC can

participate in more of the e-commerce

initiatives of state government.

The agency plans to implement other

technology solutions designed to increase

employee productivity by reducing paper

processing work loads. One of the most notable

solutions will be the use of document imaging

and retrieval technology. Imaging technology

will store and retrieve paper documents into

the new licensing regulatory system.

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFORMATION ON TARGET

The five-phase technology transformation

project should be completely operational by

July 2005. The first three phases (scheduled

for completion January 2005) include the

transfer of existing regulatory application

systems from the mainframe to new server

technology. Phase four, scheduled for

completion March 2005, will allow more

public inquiry through the agency web site

into the status of licensing applications and

renewals, certifications, and label approvals.

The last phase involves setting up document

imaging interfaces within the new system.

For more information on the technology

transformation project, contact Director of

Information Resources Garry Sitz at 512-

206-3454 or garry.sitz@tabc.state.tx.us

YOUTH ATTEND TABC/

MADD POWER CAMP

Most kids go to summer camp to be

entertained. Some go to learn important

life skills that may save lives—such as

preventing drug and alcohol use.

Each summer, Mothers Against Drunk

Drivers (MADD) and TABC operate Youth

Leadership Power Camps that teach young

leaders how to make a difference in their

communities’ fight against underage

drinking and drug abuse.

““

“The PThe P

The PThe P

The Power Camp is aower Camp is a

ower Camp is aower Camp is a

ower Camp is a

place where studentsplace where students

place where students

build communitybuild community

build community

leadership abilities andleadership abilities and

leadership abilities and

learn how to implementlearn how to implement

learn how to implement

them in theirthem in their

them in their

communities and, morecommunities and, more

communities and, more

importantlyimportantly

importantly, in a peer, in a peer

, in a peer, in a peer

, in a peer

setting.”setting.”

setting.”

-TABC Enforcement Deputy

Assistant Chief Joel Moreno

This summer, camps were held in

Houston and San Angelo. In addition to

having fellowship and fun, students tackled

such weighty issues as media relations,

crisis intervention and community action.

Before leaving, groups from each com-

munity worked together and developed

specific action plans for dealing with

underage drinking and drug use in their

hometowns.

“After observing the campers, I have

confidence that these students will use their

recently acquired knowledge to combat

underage drinking and other community

dilemmas,” Moreno added. Moreno

participated at the San Angelo power

camp.

youth

leadership

pwer

camp

•

••

The TABC-approved seller/server

training program teaches sellers, servers

and managers how to serve alcoholic

beverages responsibly by avoiding sales

and service to minors and intoxicated

persons.

These partnerships have proven

effective in increasing retailer partici-

pation. Press conferences were also held

in Houston, San Antonio and McAllen.

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission

remains committed to keeping Texas safe

for all its citizens.

Responsible Alcohol Service Saves Lives.

For more information, call Debbie Dixon,

TABC seller training coordinator, at 512-

206-3420 or go to www.tabc.state.tx.us/

liccom/seller

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Inquiry Now Easier

Seller Training Certification

Inquiry Enhanced

TABC has made it easier to verify Seller

Training certifications by enhancing the in-

quiry screen on the Seller Training web page.

No longer will you have to enter the

license or certification number—just the

person’s Social Security number and birth

date.

Simply go to the TABC web site at

www.tabc.state.tx.us and click on “Seller

Training” at the left side of the screen. Then

click on “MainPage.” This will take you to

the first of two security screens. Click “Yes”

and when the next screen pops up, click

“OK.” This will take you to the page with

the inquiry screen.

To view a person’s certification status,

type in the person’s Social Security number

and birth date. You can access this

information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you don’t have access to the Internet

and you want to verify an employee, call

your local TABC field office or Seller Training

in Austin at 512-206-3420.

Owners of alcoholic beverage estab-

lishments use seller training programs to

familiarize their employees with laws

concerning sales to minors and intoxicated

persons.

The Alcoholic Beverage Code requires

the Commission to establish minimum

requirements for approved seller training

programs. Although colleges and private

companies sponsor seller training pro-

grams, TABC approves the curriculum to

ensure compliance with the law.

TABC PROMOTES SELLER TRAINING ACROSS TEXAS

On May 4, 2004, TABC held a press

conference to unveil plans to

increase retailer participation in seller/server

training in the El Paso area.

TABC collaborated with Desert Eagle,

Glazer’s Wholesale and The Greater El Paso

Chamber of Commerce to develop a public

information program that would increase

voluntary retailer participation in seller/server

training.

As part of this collaboration, Desert Eagle

and Glazer’s Wholesale distributed bro-

chures to alcoholic beverage retailers along

their routes in El Paso County, touting the

importance of seller/server training.

TABC values its seller/server training

program and the benefits that the program

provides to not only retailers but to their

employees and to the citizens of Texas as well.

SELLER TRAINING TRAINERS ATTEND SEMINARS

Each yearEach year

Each year, certified trainers for the seller training schools must complete four, certified trainers for the seller training schools must complete four

, certified trainers for the seller training schools must complete four, certified trainers for the seller training schools must complete four

, certified trainers for the seller training schools must complete four

continuing education hours toward the renewal of their trainer certification.continuing education hours toward the renewal of their trainer certification.

continuing education hours toward the renewal of their trainer certification.

To help trainers receive these hours and to keep the schools current on the latest Seller

Training happenings, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission’s Seller/Server Training

Section conducted the 2004 seminars during May and June. Six-hour sessions were held in

Lubbock, Mesquite, Fort Worth, El Paso, Corpus Christi, Austin, Houston, and McAllen.

Topics at these seminars included recent research and information on alcohol-related

studies, administrative issues, new standardized tests that began in September, training

techniques, and a chance for trainers to ask TABC compliance, enforcement, and seller

training questions.

One attendee commented, “This is best seminar you’ve ever put on. It gets better and

better each time.” Another found it so useful that they suggested, “We should have at least

one or two training sessions every year.”

TABC Administrator Alan Steen fields questions from reporters in San Antonio about

the partnership with industry to increase participation in Seller Training programs.

Employee Inquiry

1. Enter the:

Employee SSN:

(999999999)

Employee Date of Birth:

(mmddyyyy)

2. Press

(All fields are required)

Search Reset

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Responsible AlcoholResponsible Alcohol

Responsible Alcohol

Service Saves LivesService Saves Lives

Service Saves Lives

TABC ComplianceABC Compliance

ABC ComplianceABC Compliance

ABC Compliance

Director Buck FDirector Buck F

Director Buck Fulleruller

ulleruller

uller

met with State Repre-met with State Repre-

met with State Repre-

sentative Elizabethsentative Elizabeth

sentative Elizabeth

Ames Jones at aAmes Jones at a

Ames Jones at a

recent San Antoniorecent San Antonio

recent San Antonio

press conference topress conference to

press conference to

promote voluntarypromote voluntary

promote voluntary

retailer participation inretailer participation in

retailer participation in

seller training.seller training.

seller training.

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage

Commission recently awarded nine

grants totaling more than $330,000 to

groups committed to age-law enforcement

and underage drinking prevention. The

awards fund Texas community programs that

provide services or training for underage

drinking enforcement and prevention

initiatives.

In 1999, Texas led the nation in the rate

of alcohol-related deaths among 15 to 20

year olds, and this age group remains the

most difficult to reach with an anti-drinking

message. Each funded project represents a

well-planned and potentially successful

underage drinking enforcement and pre-

vention initiative.

As the designated state administrator for

the “Enforcing the Underage Drinking Laws

(EUDL) Block Grant,” the TABC awards and

distributes the money to qualified grant

applicants from the U.S. Department of

Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and

Delinquency Prevention. The agency uses this

funding to support a limited number of

agency underage drinking projects and to

award grants to Texas nonprofit organ-

izations, colleges and communities.

A “Request for Applications” advertised

in November 2003 generated 14 grant

applications for 2004-2005 funding. The

Texas EUDL Task Force and TABC reviewed

each application. This task force operates

as an advisory group of representatives from

several government agencies and a number

of statewide prevention nonprofit organ-

izations. TABC staff recommended nine

programs for funding and awarded grants.

The grant program requires specific

output and outcome measures for the grantee

and TABC to determine the effectiveness of

funded efforts.

TABC AWARDS 2004-2005 EUDL GRANTS

2004-2005 GRANT RECIPIENTS

Star Council on Substance Abuse, Erath County $27,000

Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Statewide $54,000

University of Texas at San Antonio Health Science Center, Statewide $50,000

Texans Standing Tall, Statewide $56,000

University of the Incarnate Word, Bexar County $20,000

Alcohol & Drug Abuse Council of Deep East Texas, Nacogdoches County $45,000

Sul Ross State University, Brewster County $22,500

Texas Municipal Police Association, Statewide $30,000

Randall County Sheriff’s Department, Randall County $30,000

Pending Rule Changes

An amendment to Rule 45.117

is being considered by TABC and

has been published in the Texas

rule describes the increase in the

price of advertising specialties

furnished to retailers by wholesalers

and liquor manufacturers from $87

to $101.

The National Association of Beer

Importers has petitioned the Agency

to consider amending Rule 45.77

and Rule 45.90 to allow beer and

ale also to bear a style designation

such as lager, stout, or porter. TABC

is considering this amendment and

has requested it be published in the

Texas Register for public comment.

UPCOMING

Commission Meetings

October 25, 2004

November 22, 2004

December 20, 2004

These dates may change. Con-

firm dates on our web site at

www.tabc.state.tx.us/about/

meeting.htm 10 days before the

meeting.

Minutes to past commission

meetings and agendas for up-

coming meetings can also be found

on the web site.

If you want to be put on the e-

mail list to receive agendas and

minutes, e-mail Renee Johnston at

renee.johnston@tabc.state.tx.us

TABC TODAY

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission

P.O. Box 13127

Austin, Texas 78711-3127

www.tabc.state.tx.us

PRSRT.STD.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

AUSTIN, TEXAS

PERMIT #408

John T. Steen, Jr. Chairman

Gail Madden Commissioner

Alan Steen Administrator

Jeannene Fox Assistant Administrator

TABC TODAY is an external publication of the Texas

Alcoholic Beverage Commission. We welcome

comments, suggestions and/or questions from our

readers.

To report a possible violation of the Alcoholic Bever-

age Code, call toll-free 1-888-THE-TABC (Voice/TDD).

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission is an equal

opportunity employer and does not discriminate on

the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion,

age or disability in employment, or in the provision

of services, programs, or activities.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities

Act, this newsletter may be requested in alternative

formats by contacting TABC at 512-206-3220, 512-

206-3270 (TDD), 512-206-3350 (fax) or writing P.O.

Box 13127, Austin, Texas 78711-3127.

SENIOR EDITORS: Carolyn Beck, Jeanenne Fox

EDITOR/DESIGNER: Jason Anderson, Mary Cardwell

CONTRIBUTORS: Carolyn Beck, Debbie Dixon, Rod

Venner, Jay Webster, Roy Hale, Sam Smelser, Joel

Moreno

You Asked… questions about

alcoholic beverage regulations

I own a store in a town that just had a local option elec-

tion that legalized the sale of beer. I have applied for a

license from TABC. Are we allowed to put up a sign that

says “Beer Coming Soon”? After I receive my license, can

I put up a sign that says “Now Selling Beer”?

Yes and no. If the city/county officials have canvassed

(certified) the local option election for that area as “wet”

and the license or permit has not been issued, the

unlicensed retailer planning to sell alcoholic beverages

may place outdoor signs indicating “Beer Coming Soon.”

Once TABC issues the license, the retailer can have

oneone

one outdoor sign that may state “Beer” or “Beer To Go.”

You cannot have a sign that states “Now Selling Beer.”

Remember, there can be only one outdoor sign that

indicates “Beer. ” Also, none of the letters on the sign

may be more than 12 inches in height.

TABC TODAY 2004 Neon Fall04

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