In a case that alleges overzealous business regulation, Spec’s, the state’s largest liquor store chain, is suing the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for “wrongfully and maliciously” trying to impose huge fines and sanctions on the retailer. The state says it’s immune from such suits.
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
Posted inState Government
Lawsuit claims Texas senator interfered in liquor agency investigation
State Sen. Joan Huffman denies that she tried to influence an investigation into a bar in which she had a financial interest. A fired agent said he was told a state senator tried to kill the probe, but he doesn’t have evidence that Huffman “told anybody to falsify records or delete records.”
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State Government
Under the influence: Big spending liquor interests, arcane laws keep iconic barbecue joint from making wine
The owners of The Salt Lick have big plans for their land, from a winery to an events center. But they’re stymied by Prohibition-era alcohol laws aimed at keeping producers, distributors and retailers financially separate. Will lawmakers step in with a fix?
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State Government
Judge’s ruling would let Texas consumers buy booze from Walmart and Costco
Unlike residents of more than 30 U.S. states and many foreign nations, Texans who want to buy a fifth of vodka or bourbon can’t find their favorite spirit on the shelves of their local Walmart or Costco. A landmark ruling issued by a federal court in Austin could soon change that.
Posted in
State Government
Under new management, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission mends fences after scandal
Nearly a year after a series of self-inflicted wounds led to a purge of the agency’s upper management, a new commissioner and new executive director have launched a series of reforms — and the businesses they regulate say they’ve seen a big change.
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TribCast
The top Texas tales of 2017 (podcast)
On the final TribCast of 2017, Emily talks to Alexa, Neena, Jay and Edgar about some of the Trib’s biggest stories of the year: the bathroom bill, Hurricane Harvey, the TABC scandal and our series on child sex trafficking.
Posted in
State Government
Key lawmaker wants ethics reform on special session agenda
State Rep. Sarah Davis will ask Gov. Greg Abbott to put ethics reform on the agenda of the ongoing special session and said focusing on ethics would restore trust in the Legislature at time when it’s diminishing.
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State Government
Sarah Davis wants more information about “misconduct” at TABC
The chair of a House oversight committee wants more information about potential “misconduct” that occurred at the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
Posted inState Government
Licensing director is seventh official out at troubled Texas liquor agency
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission Licensing Director Amy Harrison helped oversee the creation of a controversial flyer depicting agency honchos partying during out-of-state junkets.
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TribCast
The storm at TABC, redistricting trials and the special session ahead (podcast)
On this week’s TribCast, Ross talks to Ayan, Alexa and Jay about high-level changes at the state’s alcohol regulator, the redistricting trials underway in San Antonio and the special session that starts next Tuesday.
