Liquor Enforcement

One of the highest priorities of ABC Enforcement is to make it as easy as possible for liquor licensees to stay in compliance with state laws and regulations administered by ABC and the Department of Revenue. To accomplish this, Enforcement agents:

  • provide training to liquor licensees to help them understand licensing requirements so they can stay in compliance,
  • conduct investigations and enforcement activities related to possible violations that affect public safety,
  • perform hidden ownership investigations to ensure that only qualified persons have an interest in liquor licensed businesses in Kansas.
  • provide training on the most effective methods to investigate and enforce liquor laws to local law enforcement officers/agencies.
  • work with health organizations, schools and other interested coalitions on strategies to educate youth on the safety and health dangers related to drinking in order to reduce underage drinking.

ABC Enforcement Agents are Kansas certified law enforcement officers and are authorized to issue citations for administrative and criminal violations found in the course of their work. They are located throughout the State and work in all 105 counties.

Prevention of Underage Drinking

Underage drinking is a problem in Kansas as it is throughout the United States. It poses a public safety threat to everyone, as well as threatens the health and welfare of our youth. To combat the risks involved with underage drinking and develop methods to reduce underage drinking and the many other problems associated with it, Enforcement Agents work cooperatively with:

  • Other state agencies,
  • local agencies,
  • all law enforcement agencies,
  • community coalitions and
  • the alcoholic beverage industry.

We also encourage and solicit the support of parents and families, school representatives and all Kansans in the effort to reduce underage drinking.

Prevention of Unlicensed/Unregulated Alcohol

In most cases, it is illegal to ship alcohol to Kansas residents without first having a Kansas Liquor License or permit. With the passing of SB70 on May 2, 2019, common carriers are required to submit a listing of clients for which they delivered alcohol to Kansas residents. These reports will be used to identify/prosecute those who do not follow Kansas law regarding alcohol regulation. Click here for additional information.

Racial and Biased Based Policing Policy

The Kansas Alcoholic Beverage Control does not condone or permit Racial and Biased-Based Policing. The ABC Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) regarding Racial and Bias-Based Policing is a public document and any person may request an opportunity to review it. Any citizen wanting to file a complaint of such behavior by an ABC agent can do so in the following manner:

  • Email to KDOR_ABCLegal@ks.gov
  • Call 785-296-7015
  • Visit the ABC Office, Mills Building,109 SW 9th Street, Fifth Floor, Topeka, KS 66612 (8 am- 4 pm, Monday-Friday)

All complaints should be directed to the attention of the ABC Chief Enforcement Officer.

Or

File a complaint with the Kansas Attorney General's Office by obtaining the designated form at http://ag.ks.gov/file-a-complaint/complaint-center.