Trade Enforcement

The TEU initiates and coordinates investigations and accusation proceedings against licensees arising from both statewide and local trade practice violations.

Unlawful alcoholic beverage industry practices include:

• Commercial bribery
• Prohibited ownership
• Providing prohibited things of value
• Free goods

The unit provides expertise and guidance to ABC’s field staff in the investigation of trade practice provisions of the ABC Act and serves as ABC’s principal source of policy interpretation on issues related to trade practices. The TEU responds to requests from attorneys and industry members for the review and approval of advertising, merchandising, and promotional programs. The unit is located statewide and is administered by the Supervising Agent in Charge of the Trade Enforcement Unit.