Texas liquor agency rebuked after investigation of Spec’s

kxan ^ | July 2, 2017 | Jay Root

[bgill]

After an investigation of the state’s largest liquor retailer, the TABC sought to yank permits for all 164 of the company’s stores — which would effectively shut it down — or hit Spec’s with fines of up to $713 million, according to court documents filed last week...The judges said TABC failed to prove dozens of allegations, rebuked agency lawyers for failing to disclose evidence to their own witness (and the court) and called out the agency for “stacking” charges, a tactic commonly used to pressure defendants into a settlement...“The governor continues to be deeply concerned about the pattern of practice at TABC,” said Abbott spokeswoman

[bgill]

This was a total waste of tax dollars. A few months ago, the director of TABC resigned. Gov. Abbott is wanting reform of the agency from top to bottom.

[ClearCase_guy]

In the end, the multi-year prosecution and an eight-day March administrative law hearing — similar to a trial — turned up evidence that Spec’s may have paid a $778 invoice from a wine supplier a day or two late in 2011 under the complicated liquor “credit law” spelling out when payments for booze must be made.

The sum total of the sanctions recommended by the judges: a warning, and no fines.

Alternatively, you could choose to fine them $713M.

[SecondAmendment]

Don’t mess with Specs, my preferred adult beverage vendor !

[OrangeHoof]

Spec’s motto is “Cheers to Savings!” Bet they’re cheering now.

[jagusafr]

“called out the agency for “stacking” charges, a tactic commonly used to pressure defendants into a settlement”

Nice liquor store ya got there...shame if somethin’ happened to it...

Arrogant, overreaching prigs.

[BobL]

The management of that ‘agency’ is likely a fallout of Rick Perry sending his political flunkies there for nice jobs.

A few years ago their undercover people literary were ARRESTING people at hotel bars because they ‘might’ be some kind of a threat to society, due to their drinking - even though many of the people had rooms in those same hotels. Imagine going on a business trip and coming home with a criminal record - which is what happened to those people.

[Artemis Webb]

State liquor control agencies are notoriously sordid if not corrupt. They do nothing that local law enforcement can’t do as well or better.

[YouGoTexasGirl]

Yes, a wonderful adult beverage store!!!....We love them around the holidays, one stop shopping.

I was amazed when I read this. Had no idea although TABC has its share of control problems....bad guys in control who want to increase their budgets by frivolous means.

GLAD this backfired on them!!!

[SecondAmendment]

“Administrative Law” will be the undoing of this country...

[Night Hides Not]

Texas state government, in general, needs to be reined in. Whether it be TABC, TX State Board of Public Accountancy, you name it...we live to serve them, not the other way around.

Spec's is a fine company, and didn't deserve this treatment.

[hadaclueonce]

TABC continues to be the biggest rip off in Texas.

[TexasM1A]

Good, I like seeing that cute little blonde lady on my tv on occasion.

[Feckless]

Hey! Thats where I buy my Stroh rum...

[bgill]

Perry isn’t the saint so many here think he is.

[hadaclueonce]

Majority of Texans saw right through Perry.
He will do right if he can get to pick up the loose change from the sofa.

[Svartalfiar]

And to think the majority of non-Texans around here thought he was a decent choice for Pres... Gov Goodhair is only conservative at once time - election time.