The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission or TABC was established in 1935. This organization was created out of a national interest to regulate the production, distribution and consumption of alcohol. This particular national “need” for regulation arose following the end of Prohibition, a nationwide years-long moratorium on alcohol sales and consumption.

Today, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission plays a big role when it comes to enforcing state-wide laws related to the sale and consumption of alcohol. The goal of the TABC is to ensure public safety and to prevent excessive abuses that can arise as a result of overselling and/or overconsuming alcoholic beverages. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the history of this organization and how this entity functions and impacts the alcohol industry across the state.

A Quick History of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission

As mentioned, the TABC was established in the mid-1930s. Prohibition was over and there was much rejoicing. However, lawmakers and citizens alike were weary of how “not” drinking would translate into this brave new world of legal booze. While Prohibition was not well tolerated, it did root from a genuine concern for public safety.

The temperance movement took hold after the early 1900s. It eventually resulted in a nationwide ban on the production and consumption of alcohol. It might sound extreme now but the movement was largely based on the idea that overconsumption was causing real harm to both property and people. Also, over imbibing fell into the realm of gluttony which, of course, is one of the seven deadly sins. In that moment, the evils of booze were a rare point of agreement between the worlds of politics and religion.

It didn’t help that the automobile was new to the roads, minds and hearts of Americans everywhere. With the mass production of automobiles underway, more and more people were realizing how poorly drinking mixed with the idea of taking a leisurely drive. This simply added fuel to the already burning fires of the temperance movement.

The ban on alcohol lasted a painful 13 years. This resulted in a number of new problems that actually exceeded the dangers of the original problem. As is typically the issue with government bans (booze, drugs, etc.), private operators popped up and took over the industry. The problem, of course, is that there was no true regulation. In a moment booze went from being illegal to becoming the new “dark web” of the world. The wild, wild west of drinking was underway.

Prohibition ended in 1933 but the nayer-do-wells of that underground movement were hard to round up. It was quickly decided that new regulatory bodies were needed. That’s when the Texas legislature created the Texas Liquor Control Board (TLCB) which later evolved into the TABC.

The TABC quickly expanded to oversee the rapid rise of all things alcohol. All across the state the manufacture, distribution and consumption of alcohol found a bold new gear. It was no easy task to contain this business of booze but the TABC stepped up and took the reins.

Today, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission is responsible for regulating the industry statewide. From border to border, this committee oversees licensing, compliance with state laws and the promotion of public safety. The TABC also issues licenses for the production, distribution, and sales of booze as well as inspections of businesses that produce, sell or serve alcohol. TABC Certification for alcohol sellers and servers has become an essential tool for operating compliant businesses. If any violations are found, the committee then proceeds with punitive measures either by way of a fine or suspension or dismissal of an issued license.

How the TABC Impacts Alcohol Sales and Consumption

Let’s take a closer look at how the TABC impacts those working in the industry and the clients or patrons who partake. As mentioned, the TABC is tasked with regulating the production, sales and consumption of booze statewide. Generally speaking, this involves keeping track of who can and cannot sell alcohol, what types of alcohol can be sold and how much can be consumed in public places or licensed venues. This is just one of the primary functions of this committee.

Another function of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission revolves around creating and sustaining public awareness and safety. This is why the TABC enforces and regulates age restrictions, DUI compliance and disorder as a result of over imbibing in public spaces. This also involves preventative measures such as creating public awareness campaigns about responsible alcohol consumption as well as public health and societal issues that can be the result of heavy drinking.

This is not to say that the TABC does not support the alcohol industry. In fact, the TABC is there to help the industry thrive so that it can contribute to the overall local and state economy. Alcohol sales do generate a good deal of tax revenue for the state. Those monies are then put to good use by enforcing laws that protect licensed operators and venues from unfair practices and/or other illegal or shady operations.

The TABC Supports Vendors and Patrons Alike

A healthy drinking environment serves everyone well. As is often suggested, the key to life is found “in moderation.” This is why the TABC champions the cause of balance and moderation when it comes to consuming alcohol in publicly licensed spaces.

While this is a regulatory body, it has also been serving the better interests of Texans everywhere for almost 100 years. The TABC has a rich history of stepping forward and protecting citizens and business owners alike. From licensing to inspecting to promoting healthier lifestyle choices, the TABC is there to ensure your safety and the safety of your favorite venue where “everybody knows your name.”