Authorities are cracking down on alcohol sales to minors as college students head back to classes in the coming weeks.
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission announced Monday it will conduct a wave of "minor stings," in which a under-aged customer will attempt to buy alcohol. If the sale is successful, the business and its employees could face administrative and possible criminal penalties, the announcement read.
The TABC said the stings could happen at any place alcohol is sold, but authorities are concentrating on bars, restaurants, convenience stores and liquor stores.
"Our retailers take the lead in preventing alcohol from falling into the hands of minors," said TABC Executive Chief Robert Saenz. "This year, as in years past, we're urging all retailers to make sure their employees have the tools they need to ensure anyone who purchases alcohol is of legal age to do so."
The undercover operations were expected throughout the back-to-school months of August and September.
During last year’s back-to-school operation, TABC agents went undercover at 1,337 retail locations and found that more than 90 percent were in compliance with the law.
