TABC Joins Crash Investigation
August 16, 2013
The TABC is joining the Department of Public Safety in investigating a crash that killed five cast and crew members of the musical “Texas” after open alcohol containers were found in the vehicle. The five had just left an end-of-year party at Coldwater Ranch, a private ranch that apparently does not have a TABC liquor license.
Since Coldwater Ranch isn’t a business licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for on-premise consumption, and there’s no evidence leading anyone to believe they were selling the drinks, this is essentially another situation of minors drinking at a private residence. The question is: Who provided the alcohol?
Providing alcohol to minors is a Class A misdemeanor in Texas, and those found guilty can be slapped with up to a year in jail and up to a $4,000 fine.
While the issue of TABC certification may seem irrelevant here, it’s not … Because the exact same punishment is given to a seller/server when they sell alcohol to a minor as well, regardless of intent. This means how old you thought the person was doesn’t really matter. If there’s any question whatsoever regarding how old they are, you must card them, and if they’re underage and choose to stay inside your establishment, then you need to keep your eye on them to make sure other customers aren’t slipping drinks their way.
TABC On The Fly is your one-stop-shop for online TABC certification.