The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) has recently announced a new voluntary self-inspection process for businesses to conduct their annual compliance reports. This replaces the mobile app that businesses previously used and offers a simplified, more convenient method to conduct compliance reporting. In this blog post, we’ll go over the details of the new voluntary self-inspection process, its benefits, and how businesses can participate.
What is the Voluntary Compliance Reporting Process?
The TABC’s new voluntary compliance reporting process is a self-inspection opportunity for businesses to conduct their annual compliance report using the Alcohol Industry Management System (AIMS). The process starts on May 1, 2023, and runs until Aug. 31, 2023, with businesses accessing the compliance reporting feature in AIMS using either Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge on their mobile device.
Steps to Complete the Voluntary Compliance Check
To complete the voluntary compliance check, permit holders must follow these steps:
Ensure that you have an AIMS account with access to all of the licenses and permits you hold or manage.
Log into AIMS using either Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge on your mobile device.
Select the compliance reporting feature in AIMS and answer the questions about your business's compliance with applicable laws. You will also be prompted to take photos to confirm compliance.
Once you have completed the compliance report, submit it through AIMS.
No further action is necessary until the mandatory compliance reporting period begins on Jan. 1, 2024.
Benefits of Participating in the Self-Inspection Process
Although participation in this self-inspection is voluntary for now, businesses that choose to participate can benefit from familiarizing themselves with a process that will soon be mandatory.
After January 1, 2024, failure to complete the compliance check can result in fines and penalties. Also, one of the factors that the TABC considers in whether to categorize a location as a Priority Location is whether the location has completed the compliance checks. Priority Locations are locations that the TABC considers public safety risks. These will be physically inspected at least twice a year. All other locations will be inspected at least every eight years. Therefore, businesses that don’t participate in the self-inspection process in the future, even if it is an oversight, may have a higher likelihood of being visited more often by the TABC.
What Next?
Once businesses complete their voluntary compliance report, no further action is necessary until Jan. 1, 2024, when the mandatory compliance reporting period begins and runs from Jan. 1 to March 31 each year. The TABC will send additional communications leading up to the 2024 mandatory compliance reporting period.
In summary, the TABC's new voluntary self-inspection process provides an opportunity for businesses to simplify their reporting and potentially reduce the risk of penalties. Business owners in Texas should mark their calendars for the self-inspection period running from May 1 to Aug. 31, 2023, and ensure they have an AIMS account set up before the reporting period begins. Additionally, the new voluntary compliance reporting process is a more convenient and accessible way for businesses to conduct their annual compliance reports. Permit holders should follow the steps outlined above to complete their voluntary compliance check and take advantage of the benefits it offers.
Still have questions about the location of your bar or restaurant? Need help finding information on your city or county’s TABC liquor license requirements? Book a consultation with Ashley.
Disclaimer: Nothing in our articles or on our website is legal advice and should not be taken as such. Please address all legal questions to your counsel.
