Alcohol "Sting" Operations - Check ID For Age 18 or Under

By Steve Koebele

Austin, Texas - During the upcoming months, including holidays such as New Year's Eve, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), county sheriff, and city police enforcement agencies will conduct Alcohol Compliance Check "sting operations" on convenience store retailers. While the City of Houston and Harris County will be a part of normal police compliance checks, the following areas will be covered by increased law enforcement: Hardin, Jefferson, and Orange counties. The increased compliance activity will specifically include the cities of Nederland and Port Arthur.

Alcohol Compliance Checks are investigations into the purchase of alcohol by minors from convenience stores and other businesses that sell alcohol. The sting operations will involve a minor, age 18 or under, (with undercover officers nearby) attempting to buy an alcoholic beverage from a convenience store clerk. The minor must (1) have a valid ID and present it to the clerk if asked, and (2) state their real age if asked by the clerk.

If the store clerk sells alcohol to the minor, the sheriff or police will file criminal charges - a Class A Misdemeanor - against the clerk for Sale to a Minor. Also, the convenience store will likely get a civil penalty fine from the TABC. However, convenience stores that refuse to sell to underage buyers will get a special commendation, as a "Thank You." for following the law. "It is important that we join forces with other law enforcement agencies and the public to provide a safe environment for our youth. We need to work together as a community to prevent underage drinking," said Lt. Debra Jones of the TABC.