Trade Enforcement

TEU initiates and coordinates investigations and accusation proceedings against licensees arising out of both statewide and local trade practices situations.

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 relating to trade practices. TEU responds to requests from attorneys and industry members for review and approval of advertising, merchandising and promotional programs. The unit is located at ABC Headquarters and is administered by the Chief, Trade Enforcement Unit.