Liquor regulators partying on taxpayers' tab
Texas alcohol regulators know how to party: records show they've spent tens of thousands of dollars to travel to swanky resorts where liquor flows and industry lobbyists abound. Full Story
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![This graphic humorously references a trip that top state liquor regulators took to the National Conference of State Liquor Administrators in 2015 at a cost of more than $7,000 in taxpayer money. The illustration was created by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission during work hours on a state computer with input from top agency officials, records show. Pictured from left to right are TABC Director Sherry Cook, Licensing Director Amy Harrison, Analyst Jesse Valdez and then-TABC technology contractor Jim Andrews.]()
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Texas Booze Regulators Uncork Bar-Busting App
Smartphone users now have the power to report underage bar patrons or suspicious bartending with the touch of a button — all while sipping a drink during happy hour. Full Story
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Costco Joins Wal-Mart, Kroger in Liquor Push
Wholesale giant Costco has joined Wal-Mart, Kroger and other retailers in the fight to loosen restrictions on the state liquor market and let public corporations sell hard alcohol in Texas. Full Story
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Kindred Spirits: Wal-Mart, Kroger Align in Booze Bid
Wal-Mart is ginning up a full-bore liquor war and bringing it to the Capitol. Last week it sued the state for the right to sell spirits, and Wednesday it joined Kroger in forming a new nonprofit to promote freedom in the booze marketplace. Full Story
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Credit: Thomas Hawk -
Wal-Mart Sues Texas for Right to Sell Liquor
Wal-Mart is allowed to sell beer and wine at 546 Texas stores, but state law keeps it from selling hard liquor. On Thursday, the company filed a federal lawsuit challenging that rule in the interest of a "fair and level playing field." Full Story
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![Wiggy's Liquor, August 2010, in Austin.]()
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State Sued for "Stifling the Texas Craft Beer Renaissance"
Three Texas breweries filed a lawsuit against the state on Wednesday seeking to to overturn a 2013 law they say violates the Texas Constitution. Full Story
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TABC Drops Plan to Allow Alcohol Sales Alongside Gun Sales
Following opposition from gun rights organizations, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission this week dropped proposed rules changes that would have allowed alcohol sales alongside gun sales. Full Story
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Credit: Todd Wiseman/Thomas Hawk -
Gun Groups Oppose Proposal to Allow Alcohol Sales at Gun Shows
In an unexpected uproar, gun rights organizations are pushing back against a proposed Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission rule change that would allow the sale of alcohol at some gun shows. Full Story
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Craft Breweries Seeing New Doors Open
Texas' craft brewers are facing the biggest legislative overhaul the industry has seen in 20 years. News laws are letting them expand sales of their products. This story is part of our monthlong 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story
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![Matt Bitsche, chief engineer and head brewer at Infamous Brewing Company, inspects a pint of beer for clarity, aroma and overall carbonation in the glass, Jul. 12, 2013.]()
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House Gives Final Approval to Craft Brewing Overhaul
UPDATED: A dramatic overhaul of Texas' craft brewing industry easily won final approval in the House on Monday. Full Story
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Updated: Panel Discusses Bill Allowing Sunday Liquor Sales
As a House committee on Tuesday took up a bill that would allow Texas liquor stores to open their doors on Sundays, one member raised concerns about whether the legislation could make it easier for minors to access liquor. Full Story
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Credit: Thomas Hawk -
Beer Distributors, Craft Brewers Reach Deal
Beer distributors and craft breweries reached a tentative deal Monday to amend the Texas Alcoholic Beverage code, but the parties declined to provide specific details until legislative language was completed later this week. Full Story
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Craft Brew Bills Raise Questions Over Alcohol Code
Craft breweries and the Texas Beer Alliance, which represents major-brand beer distributors, joined forces to lobby the Senate Business and Commerce Committee on Tuesday, but not all distributing groups are on board. Full Story
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![Tim Stevens pours an Agave Wit at Uncle Billy's Brew & Que.]()
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TABC Changes What it Means to Be a Beer
For years, beers sold in Texas have had to have special labels if they contained a certain amount of alcohol. After a rule change finalized by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission last month, brewers can now just call a beer a beer. Full Story
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TABC Looking to Speed Up Alcohol Permitting
The director of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission told lawmakers on Wednesday that the agency is working on plans to make obtaining a beer or liquor license simpler and faster. Full Story
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TABC Developing Apps to Curb Excessive, Underage Drinking
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission hopes a pair of apps will increase safety and compliance next year during spring break. Full Story
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House Approves Four Loko Ban
The Texas House passed a bill today on malt liquor drinks that contain caffeine, ginseng, taurine or guarana. The bill prohibits the sale, manufacture, import and possessing of alcoholic energy drinks, like the infamous Four Loko. Full Story
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Brewpub Bill Gets Boost With Compromise
A bill that would give brewpubs more flexibility to sell their ales has been given a boost by a compromise with an influential beer lobby. Full Story
![Tim Stevens pours an Agave Wit at Uncle Billy's Brew & Que.]()
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Small Brewers Pushing to Tap Into the Action
Brewpubs want to be able to sell their distinctive beers in stores, restaurants and other bars and are fighting for the right to expand. The major beer distributors like things the way they are. Full Story
![Tim Stevens pours an Agave Wit at Uncle Billy's Brew & Que.]()
Credit: Jacob Villanueva -
Interactive: Where Texans Go To Drink
A sizable chunk of the state's general revenue — $635 million — in 2010 came from the mixed beverage tax. Texans drank 1.1 gallons of distilled spirits (liquor) each in 2010, which at 1.5 ounces a shot equals 94 mixed drinks a year. Check out our interactive map to see where Texans are going out for drinks. Full Story
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![Interactive map shows per capita revenue from mixed beverage taxes.]()
Credit: Graphic by Becca Aaronson