ABLE Commission Cracking Down On Businesses Selling Alcohol To Minors This Holiday

The Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission (ABLE) is cracking down on businesses statewide who sell alcohol to minors. 

The commission conducts compliance checks year-round but focuses on holidays such as Christmas and New Year’s. 

Compliance checks are conducted when ABLE sends a minor with a valid ID into an establishment who will try to purchase alcohol or tobacco. 

“We conduct these around the clock on a yearly basis,” said ABLE Special Agent, Vanessa Blain. “We are trying to make sure youth is not getting access to alcohol.” 

The ABLE Commission took News 9 along as an undercover 18-year-old attempted purchase alcohol from several businesses. 

At a Southwest Oklahoma City liquor store, the teen was spotted right away walking in the door. 

“Do you have your ID on you? You in the glasses!” said one clerk. 

While employees here passed with flying colors, others not so much. 

If an employee sells a minor tobacco or alcohol who is underage, the ABLE Commission issues a citation or possibly criminal charges depending on the circumstances. 

At a Southwest 47th Street grocery store an employee looked right at the minor’s ID, enters something in the register and sells anyway.  

The ABLE Commission tells News 9 not one cashier in the building was licensed to sell alcohol. Instead of writing a citation, agents will forward criminal charges to the district attorney. 

“Sadly, the ones that we went to today that sold, three out of those four didn’t even have an ABLE license,” said Blain. “When you don’t have an ABLE license, were not able to issue a citation, we actually have to file charges with the district attorney's office.” 

Drive-thru’s aren’t off limits either. 

An unlicensed employee at a gas station near Western and I-240 didn’t even ask the 18-year-old for an ID. 

“People need to realize when you have a business, or you are working in an industry where you are selling or serving alcohol, you have those responsibilities and liabilities,” said Blain. 

While the holidays are a time for celebrations, the ABLE Commission hopes this serves as a reminder to businesses and parents everywhere. 

“Doing this feels like it is protecting our community,” said Blain. “We want to protect our kids and we want to protect the youth.” 

Of 9 businesses News 9 visited with the ABLE Commission, four of them sold alcohol to the undercover 18-year-old. 

If you suspect a business is illegally selling tobacco or alcohol to minors, you’re asked to contact the ABLE Commission at (405) 521-3484 so agents can investigate and possibly take action.  

https://www.ok.gov/able/