TABC News Blog (not Affiliated with TABC)

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
Per Capita Consumption
September, 2007

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Distilled Spirits
Total Tax Collections $5,305,907.00
Total Gallons 2,210,795
Per Capita Consumption 0.0945
Tax Rate Per Gallon $2.40
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Wine
Total Tax Collections $770,994.00
Total Gallons(Estimated) 3,111,318
Per Capita Consumption(Estimated) 0.1330
Tax Rate Per Gallon(Estimated) $0.247803
Low Wine $0.204
High Wine $0.408
Sparkling Wine $0.516
————————————————————
Beer
Total Tax Collections $10,611,701.00
Total Gallons 54,827,231
Per Capita Consumption 2.3444
Tax Rate Per Gallon $0.193548
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Ale
Total Tax Collections $654,530.00
Total Gallons 3,305,707
Per Capita Consumption 0.1414
Tax Rate Per Gallon $0.198
————————————————————
Note:
Statistics based on gross tax collections by the Commission
and population estimates are from the Texas Comptroller of
Public Accounts ‘Economic and Population Forecast Summary’.

Estimate of Population: 23,386,278

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
Per Capita Consumption
August, 2007

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——————————
Distilled Spirits
Total Tax Collections $4,040,125.00
Total Gallons 1,683,385
Per Capita Consumption 0.0730
Tax Rate Per Gallon $2.40
————————————————————
Wine
Total Tax Collections $751,361.00
Total Gallons(Estimated) 3,028,350
Per Capita Consumption(Estimated) 0.1313
Tax Rate Per Gallon(Estimated) $0.248109
Low Wine $0.204
High Wine $0.408
Sparkling Wine $0.516
————————————————————
Beer
Total Tax Collections $9,004,591.00
Total Gallons 46,523,813
Per Capita Consumption 2.0171
Tax Rate Per Gallon $0.193548
————————————————————
Ale
Total Tax Collections $562,483.00
Total Gallons 2,840,823
Per Capita Consumption 0.1232
Tax Rate Per Gallon $0.198
————————————————————
Note:
Statistics based on gross tax collections by the Commission
and population estimates are from the Texas Comptroller of
Public Accounts ‘Economic and Population Forecast Summary’.

Estimate of Population: 23,065,097

The Marketing Practice Bulletin 023 addressing Amendments to Statutory
Provisions during 80th Legislature is now available on the web at
http://www.tabc.state.tx.us/enforce/MPBull.htm.

In an effort to enhance Industry communication, we are asking that you
please review and share this information with your Staff, Clients and/or
Association Members.

If you should have any questions regarding this Bulletin, please do not
hesitate to contact me.

Dexter K. Jones
Director of Marketing Practices
512-206-3411 (voice)
512-206-3203 (fax)

This Thursday, August 30, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) will be joining community leaders in Hidalgo and Cameron County to launch the Facts about Underage Drinking Campaign, an effort to encourage parents to talk to teens about alcohol and provide education about the consequences of underage drinking. TABC Administrator, Alan Steen states that, “Underage consumption of alcohol continues to be a problem in Texas. Recent reports from the Texas Department of State Health Services reflect that 68 percent of secondary students in Texas have consumed alcohol. About 81 percent of Texas seniors reported consuming alcohol at least once in their lifetime. We are hoping this campaign will start to educate parents about not only the legal issues related to underage drinking, but the developmental and physical consequences as well.” To support in the educational effort, the TABC has partnered with Health Alliance on Alcohol in Washington D.C. The partnership enables TABC Enforcement Agents an opportunity to receive specialized training from experts in the field of adolescent medicine about talking to teens during different stages of adolescent development. This partnership has also given the TABC an opportunity to provide parents with educational materials written by doctors at the Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of New York Presbyterian and the White Plains Hospital Center. These materials include information about starting conversations about underage drinking, peer pressure, college, and teen driving and alcohol.

“Research has found that teens whose parents talk with them about the consequences of underage drinking tend to have greater resistance to peer pressure and greater focus behind the wheel,” said Dan Tearno, a founding member of the Health Alliance on Alcohol and senior vice president, Heineken USA. “The efforts of the TABC are consistent with the ongoing efforts of the HAA and its members. We’re looking forward to seeing the impact this program makes on the Hidalgo and Cameron county communities. The campaign materials provide the tools to help each of us save lives through communication.”

The Facts about Underage Drinking Campaign is an 18-month pilot program that will run in Hidalgo and Cameron Counties. The TABC felt that the strong community spirit expressed during initial discussions with community leaders created the perfect environment for a campaign that relies so heavily on involvement at the local level.

“As a member of the Rio Grande Valley education community, we recognize the need to arm parents with information to educate their children and that reinforcement in the home environment is key to lasting, positive behaviors,” said Dr. Shirley A. Reed, president of South Texas College. “That is why we are proud to provide the location for the kick off of this important campaign and provide our full support to TABC’s efforts. Our children are our most valued resource and we believe in helping parents protect their children’s futures.”

The TABC plans to kick-off the campaign by acknowledging Los Fresnos High School’s efforts to deter Underage Drinking and Driving. LFHS hosted their seventh Shattered Dreams last May and invited the TABC to take pictures to use in the campaign. Using these photos, the TABC has been able to create book covers outlining the consequences of underage drinking and driving. The Texas Department of Transportation provided the printing for the book covers.

According to Mr. Steen, “Underage drinking is embedded in Texas culture. Unfortunately, many parents feel that it is a teen’s rite of passage to consume alcohol and even host events where they are knowingly providing alcohol to minors and breaking laws that were designed to protect the public. TABC’s plan is for parents, students, and communities to start conversations, address issues, and to begin to identify solutions for the challenges of addressing underage drinking in Hidalgo and Cameron Counties and ultimately the State of Texas.”

Contact: Deborah Dixon, Director, Education & Prevention at (512) 206-3290

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
Per Capita Consumption
July, 2007

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Distilled Spirits
Total Tax Collections $6,013,833.00
Total Gallons 2,505,764
Per Capita Consumption 0.1086
Tax Rate Per Gallon $2.40
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Wine
Total Tax Collections $750,082.00
Total Gallons(Estimated) 3,015,454
Per Capita Consumption(Estimated) 0.1307
Tax Rate Per Gallon(Estimated) $0.248746
Low Wine $0.204
High Wine $0.408
Sparkling Wine $0.516
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Beer
Total Tax Collections $9,460,347.00
Total Gallons 48,878,557
Per Capita Consumption 2.1192
Tax Rate Per Gallon $0.193548
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Ale
Total Tax Collections $678,891.00
Total Gallons 3,428,742
Per Capita Consumption 0.1487
Tax Rate Per Gallon $0.198
————————————————————
Note:
Statistics based on gross tax collections by the Commission
and population estimates are from the Texas Comptroller of
Public Accounts ‘Economic and Population Forecast Summary’.

Estimate of Population: 23,065,097

The latest version of the TABC Today Newsletter is available for viewing
at the official website. Read up on the Sunset Bill Changes, New/Amended
Legislation, Legislation Regarding Human Trafficking, Bert Ford
Sheriff’s Commendation, and more.

Hard copies of the newsletter will be mailed out in the near future.

http://www.tabc.state.tx.us/pubinfo/tabctoday/default.htm

(AUSTIN) - Wise County Sheriff David Walker has been named the recipient of the 2007 Bert Ford Sheriff’s Commendation by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC). Sheriff Walker was presented with the award at the Sheriff’s Association of Texas Annual Conference in Austin on July 17, 2007. “Bert Ford was the administrator of our agency between 1936 and 1947,” says TABC Administrator Alan Steen, “and during his tenure, he emphasized the importance of TABC employees maintaining a high level of cooperation with local law enforcement agencies. The Bert Ford Commendation is an opportunity for the TABC to recognize a sheriff who has demonstrated, through his or her resources and personal cooperation, the kind of working relationship that former TABC Administrator Bert Ford encouraged,” he added.

“Sheriff Walker has dedicated his career to enforcing the laws of the State of Texas and protecting all citizens. I am fortunate to have the assistance of Sheriff Walker and his Deputies,” says Agent Scott Jones of the TABC Mineral Wells Outpost. “Sheriff Walker has opened his department to assist with all agencies including TABC.”

Sheriff Walker was first employed by the Wise County Sheriff’s Department in 1992 as a part-time dispatcher while attending the University of North Texas in Denton. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 1995. Since that time, Sheriff Walker has worked as a patrol deputy, criminal investigator, enforcement captain, and chief deputy for Wise County. In 2004, he was elected sheriff. Since that time, he has continued his professional development, graduating from the FBI Academy at Quantico, Virginia, in 1999. He holds a Master Peace Officer Certification, Instructors Certification and Chemical Weapons Certification from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education.

In addition to TABC, others in the criminal justice community have recognized Sheriff Walker’s dedication. He was named “Patrolman of the Year” in 1994 and “Officer of the Year” in 1996. “Sheriff Walker has always shown his support and continuing effort to help curb alcohol related offenses in Wise County. David is also willing to go outside of his jurisdiction to help TABC, assisting in a couple of sting operations in Tarrant County,” says Greg Lowery, Wise County Attorney.

The Bert Ford Commendation recipient receives a handgun suitable for routine duties as well as a plaque. In addition, Sheriff Walker’s name will be added to a plaque displayed at the headquarters of the Sheriff’s Association of Texas, which identifies each Bert Ford Commendation recipient.

Created in 1935, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission is the state agency responsible for inspecting, supervising and regulating every phase of the business of manufacturing, importing, exporting, transporting, storing, selling, advertising, labeling and distributing alcoholic beverages, and the possession of alcoholic beverages for the purpose of sale or otherwise. Members of the Commission include Chairman John T. Steen, Jr., of San Antonio; Gail Madden of Dallas; and Jose Cuevas, Jr., of Midland. To report a violation of the Alcoholic Beverage Code, please call toll-free 1-888-THE-TABC.

Contact: Agent Scott Jones at (940) 325-9372
Captain David Alexander at (214) 678-4000

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
Per Capita Consumption
June, 2007

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Distilled Spirits
Total Tax Collections $5,027,747.00
Total Gallons 2,094,895
Per Capita Consumption 0.0908
Tax Rate Per Gallon $2.40
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Wine
Total Tax Collections $850,632.00
Total Gallons(Estimated) 3,400,053
Per Capita Consumption(Estimated) 0.1474
Tax Rate Per Gallon(Estimated) $0.250182
Low Wine $0.204
High Wine $0.408
Sparkling Wine $0.516
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Beer
Total Tax Collections $10,485,184.00
Total Gallons 54,173,559
Per Capita Consumption 2.3487
Tax Rate Per Gallon $0.193548
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Ale
Total Tax Collections $606,286.00
Total Gallons 3,062,051
Per Capita Consumption 0.1328
Tax Rate Per Gallon $0.198
————————————————————
Note:
Statistics based on gross tax collections by the Commission
and population estimates are from the Texas Comptroller of
Public Accounts ‘Economic and Population Forecast Summary’.

Estimate of Population: 23,065,097

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) recently awarded eight grants totaling $234,000 to Texas nonprofit groups, college, law enforcement and community coalitions to fund underage drinking prevention initiatives, such as education, enforcement and compliance programs.

“Texas leads the nation in the number of alcohol-related traffic fatalities among 15- to 20-year-olds, and this age group remains the most difficult to reach with an anti-drinking message. Thanks to this funding and strong community leadership, we have a better chance of reaching these young people to make them aware of potentially deadly consequences,” said TABC Administrator Alan Steen.

Each project represents a well-planned and potentially successful underage drinking enforcement and prevention initiative. With these grants, communities can provide more enforcement and educational programs that increase awareness of underage drinking laws, consequences of violations and the physical effects of alcohol abuse.

Funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), Enforcement of Underage Drinking Laws (EUDL) block grant. TABC serves as the designated state administrator for EUDL grant funds and monitors each project to determine the effectiveness of funded efforts.

2007-2008 EUDL Grant Recipients and Funded Projects

* Austin Police Department Alcohol Control Team ($35,000), City of Austin EUDL Project
* Bay Area Council of Drugs and Alcohol ($31,500), Brazoria County Coalition EUDL Project
* City of Midland ($35,000), Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws Program * Corpus Christi Police Department ($35,000), Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws
* Travis County Sheriff’s Office ($20,000), Enforcing the Underage Drinking Laws Block Grant
* University of Houston ($35,000), Club U: Preventing Underage Drinking
* Waco Police Department ($42,500), Waco EUDL Project

Contact: Robert Wright, Grants Coordinator (512) 206-3292
Debbie Dixon, Director, Education & Prevention (512) 206-3290

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
Per Capita Consumption
May, 2007

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Distilled Spirits
Total Tax Collections $4,616,330.00
Total Gallons 1,923,471
Per Capita Consumption 0.0834
Tax Rate Per Gallon $2.40
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Wine
Total Tax Collections $754,158.00
Total Gallons(Estimated) 3,036,246
Per Capita Consumption(Estimated) 0.1316
Tax Rate Per Gallon(Estimated) $0.248385
Low Wine $0.204
High Wine $0.408
Sparkling Wine $0.516
————————————————————
Beer
Total Tax Collections $8,585,159.00
Total Gallons 44,356,744
Per Capita Consumption 1.9231
Tax Rate Per Gallon $0.193548
————————————————————
Ale
Total Tax Collections $539,615.00
Total Gallons 2,725,328
Per Capita Consumption 0.1182
Tax Rate Per Gallon $0.198
————————————————————
Note:
Statistics based on gross tax collections by the Commission
and population estimates are from the Texas Comptroller of
Public Accounts ‘Economic and Population Forecast Summary’.

Estimate of Population: 23,065,097