TABC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield TABC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. A permit holder objects to the TABC or a peace officer conducting an inspection. This charge is _______________. ABC (101.04) → Class A misdemeanor
2. Which law makes it illegal for an adult to knowingly provide alcohol to a minor in Texas? → Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor statute
3. Which form of identification is acceptable to verify a customer's age? → A valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID
4. If law enforcement conducts a sting operation, what is the best protection for a server? → Consistently checking IDs and following the law with every customer
5. If a customer looks young but claims they are 21, what is the best practice for a TABC-certified server? → Ask for valid ID before serving alcohol
6. What is required before an establishment can legally sell alcoholic beverages in Texas? → A valid TABC license or permit
7. What determines whether an area allows alcohol sales in Texas? → Local option elections in each precinct, city, or county
8. What is the offense when a minor falsely states or shows any document that indicates he is 21 or older to a person engaged in selling alcoholic beverages. → Misrepresentation of Age by a Minor
9. Is TABC seller-server certification mandatory for every employee statewide, or does it depend on the employer? → Voluntary unless the specific employer requires it for civil-liability protection
10. Under the Texas 'safe harbor' provision, an employer may avoid liability if the employee was properly trained and: → Followed the law and required training when the violation occurred
11. Which factor does NOT affect how quickly alcohol impairs a person? → The color of the drink
12. Which of the following is a common sign of intoxication a seller-server should watch for? → Slurred speech and impaired balance
13. During an inspection, a TABC agent must be allowed to do what on licensed premises? → Enter and inspect during business hours
14. In Texas, what is the term for providing alcohol to an intoxicated person who then harms someone? → Over-service
15. What responsibility does a certified seller-server have regarding minors? → Refuse to sell or serve alcohol to anyone under 21
16. What is the minimum legal drinking age in Texas? → 21
17. What does a licensee risk if TABC finds repeated violations at their premises? → License suspension or permanent revocation
18. A sixteen-year-old purchases a case of beer from a retail employee. There is no request for identity from the clerk. Who is the offender? → both the 16-year-old and the clerk
19. Under the Zero Tolerance Law, what BAC makes it illegal for a driver under 21 to operate a vehicle? → Any detectable amount
20. Which of the following is an example of an illegal 'after-hours' consumption violation? → Allowing patrons to consume alcohol past legal closing time
21. An agent observes a bartender serving after posted legal hours. This is what kind of violation? → A hours-of-sale enforcement violation
22. What should you do if you suspect an ID is fake or altered? → Decline the sale and, if policy allows, notify a manager
23. How does food consumption affect alcohol absorption? → Food slows alcohol absorption by slowing gastric emptying
24. What record-keeping failure can trigger a TABC enforcement action against a licensee? → Failing to maintain required sales and invoice records
25. What does 'carding' mean in the context of alcohol service? → Checking a customer's identification to verify they are of legal drinking age
26. What information should a seller-server verify when checking an ID? → Birthdate, expiration date, and photo match
27. What is a 'wet' area in Texas? → An area where the legal sale of alcohol is permitted
28. Under Texas law, a minor is defined as a person who is: → Under 21 years old
29. A licensed premise's permission or license may be _______________ if there are any violations on the property. → suspension or cancellation
30. In Texas, what time must most licensed establishments stop selling alcohol? → 2 AM