One of the national hot button issues among liquor licensing experts is the
pressure to merge state ABC's with other agencies, generally as a cost saving
measure. Based on what we have heard from the few states that have merged, it is
a disaster for licensees.
In Tennessee, a seemingly innocuous bill is
pending that takes away criminal enforcement powers from ABC agents. We see this
as a step toward merging the ABC with another agency. Removing ABC police powers
makes it easier to merge the ABC with other agencies.
Without authority
to prosecute crimes, we suspect that pay for agents will be slashed. ABC agents
are already paid less than many other state law enforcement officials. This has
been a problem for retaining experienced agents.
Liquor laws are
complicated. Having qualified ABC agents is good for the
industry.
Licensees may see the demise of ABC agent enforcement as a good
thing. Based on what we hear from other states, elimination of ABC agents is bad
for business.
For example, Missouri merged the ABC and virtually
eliminated ABC officers. Lawmakers presumed that local police would enforce
sales to minors, among other important laws. Not surprisingly, local police were
not trained to enforce liquor laws and aggressive owners are openly flaunting
basic industry rules.
ABC agents may not be your favorite visitor, but by
laying a level foundation for enforcement of basic liquor laws, we believe that
having competent law enforcement agents is much better than a lawless business
environment.
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