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Liquor board pushes special ABLE session, warns noncompliant licensees their renewals could lapse
Summary
Staff reported several licensees failed to complete mandatory ABLE training required for renewal; board directed staff to schedule a special class, assess an administrative fee to cover the session and to hold a virtual hardship hearing April 27 for disputed tax‑release or renewal issues.
During a lengthy staff session on April 13 the board and staff focused on renewal season logistics and enforcement of mandatory ABLE training for day‑to‑day managers.
Staff reported six licensees had not completed the ABLE training required under the board’s June 2025 renewal policy. After reviewing outreach efforts (email blasts, direct phone calls and inspector reminders), staff proposed a narrowly scheduled special ABLE session to accommodate the holdouts and recommended an administrative fee to cover the cost of the special session. Staff said participants already had multiple chances to register; a staff speaker said several licensees registered for classes and then did not show.
The board directed staff to schedule a special class (staff indicated a May 6 session was available) and to notify the affected licensees in writing. Staff said licensees who do not complete ABLE by the deadline will not meet the statutory threshold to have their renewal issued and therefore risk expiration of their license on April 30; the board will hear hardship requests in a virtual session on April 27 for cases where licensees can document efforts to resolve tax‑release or administrative holds beyond their control.
The staff meeting also reviewed recurring problems that delay renewals: mismatched sales & use registration numbers, outstanding business licenses, workers’ compensation certificates and tax‑release holds from the comptroller’s office. Staff said they will categorize tax holds and consider conditional renewals where licensees can show they have paid or are on a verified payment plan; cases with criminal charges or clear statutory noncompliance will not be eligible for conditional renewal.
Separately, staff and board members discussed statewide issues — distributor minimums and a statewide delivery permit framework — and noted that until the state issues clearer guidance counties will not adopt a delivery‑permit program.
The board instructed staff to send firm, written notices to noncompliant licensees, schedule the special ABLE session, and prepare the April 27 virtual hearing agenda for hardship petitions and unresolved tax holds.
