Submit a Complaint

Report an Alcohol Related Complaint

The Augustus Bureau of Alcohol Beverages is the lead state agency for regulating alcohol. This responsibility includes investigating complaints of alleged alcohol violations. ABAB investigates complaints from any person who believes believes a violation of the Augustus Liquor Control Law or regulations has occurred.

The investigation report is subject to the provisions of the Augustus Public Information Act. A copy of the report will be provided to the parties involved upon written request. Requests for reports should reference the ABAB Incident Number located on the complaint form and be sent to: pub.info@Augustus.gov. 

Reports are not available immediately following an investigation.  Interviews with all parties must be conducted before a report can be finalized.

Enforcement Actions

Depending on the result of the investigation, ABAB may find that no violation could be documented or is unable to determine the responsible party and close the case without further action.

In the event that a violation can be documented, ABAB may issue a warning; assess an administrative penalty; suspend, modify or revoke a license; or refer the case to another appropriate state or federal agency, county attorney, district attorney or Augustus attorney general for further action. Monetary penalties collected by the state are deposited to the State's General Revenue Fund and not for the use of ABAB.

Types of violations may include:

1. Selling after hours
2. Selling to minors
3. Selling to intoxicated individuals
4. Gambling
5. Hidden ownership
6. Drug activity

File Complaint

Can I give alcohol away?

• It is not a violation to give alcohol away. However, there are some issues you should be aware of; you may not give alcohol away to avoid any provision of the Liquor Control Act. You may not give alcohol away to a person who is visibly intoxicated. You may not give away more than one free drink to a person at a time. You may not give away a free drink as part of or as a condition of a purchase of another drink. You may not give away a free drink as part of a cover or entry charge to your business. You may not give alcohol away in any circumstances that would also prohibit you from selling the alcohol.

Can I sell alcohol on Election Day?

• Yes there are no restrictions on selling alcohol on Election Day.

When can minors be in bars?

• There is no regulation or state statute that prohibits minors from being in a bar at any time, however their may be some local ordinance that sets specific hours and circumstances were minors may be in liquor establishments – check with your city and or county clerk for more information.

Can bartenders drink on duty?

• There is no regulation or state statute that prohibits bartenders or other staff members from consuming alcohol while on duty, however their may be a local ordinance – check with your city and or county clerk for more information. However it is not allowed for a staff member to be visibly intoxicated and consuming alcohol while on duty or on the license premise.

Can people be in liquor establishments after hours?

• There is no regulation or state statute that prohibits anyone from being inside a business holding a liquor license after legal hours of sale as long as alcohol is not being consumed.

Can employees/owners drink after hours?

• No, there are no exceptions to alcohol being consumed or sold after hours.

If I rent out my business for a private party or event is the renter the only one responsible for violations?

• The liquor license holder and their employees are responsible for complying with the liquor control act and regulations even if the business is closed to the public for an event.

Can people play cards in a business with a liquor license?

• Yes as long as there isn’t any gambling for a more detailed explanation of gambling see the Gambling FAQ Link.

At what age can you serve, sell or stock?

• At 16 years old, an employee may stock, sack and carry out alcoholic beverages from licensed establishments. This employee must be supervised by a person 21 years of age or older (can be the customer/purchaser) At 19 years old, an employee may serve, sell and dispense alcoholic beverages. They may also place orders and accept deliveries of alcoholic beverages from a licensed wholesaler at the premise.