TABC investigates NOD vendor
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission launched an investigation into the source of the alcohol served at Wiess College's Night of Decadence party, according to TABC Director of Communications and Governmental Relations Carolyn Beck.
"Whenever there is an alcohol-related incident that results in serious injury or fatality, we conduct a source investigation," Beck said. "We're looking to see if alcohol was provided illegally by a TABC-licensed server to a minor. If it wasn't whoever provided alcohol at [NOD], who was it?"
The TABC is currently looking into the vendor registered for the event but may look into other sources of alcohol close to Rice, according to Beck.
Willy's Pub and Valhalla, as TABC-licensed locations, are subject to regular investigation, Beck said.
"I actually don't know [whether Pub and Valhalla are being investigated currently]," Beck said. "But it's part of investigators' jobs. It's completely normal."
Beck said investigators are in plain clothes while doing their job.
"There is no uniform for TABC investigators," Beck said.
According to Beck, the length of an investigation is unpredictable, and details will be withheld because the investigation is ongoing.
Once the investigation concludes, if alcohol was served either to a minor or an intoxicated person by a vendor, jail time or a fine might be the penalty, according to Beck. She said that for individuals unaffiliated with an organization, such punishments are still possible, but only for serving to a minor.
According to Beck, the TABC was not looking into Rice or its alcohol policy.
More from The Rice Thresher
Rice Students for Justice in Palestine declares ‘liberated zone’ on campus
As student protests erupt across the country, Rice Students for Justice in Palestine launched a “liberated zone” on Rice campus, announced a two-day series of events and started construction on an “apartheid wall.”
Jeremy Zucker headlines second-ever Moody X-Fest
Jeremy Zucker headlined Rice’s second annual Moody X-Fest in Founder’s Court on April 19. In advance of Zucker’s set, student groups like Basmati Beats, Rice Philharmonic and BASYK performed. The festival also offered complimentary merchandise and food from Dripped Birra, Cane’s and Oh my Gogi.
Jones wins men’s and women’s Beer Bike races, GSA snags alumni
Jones College won both the women’s and men’s Beer Bike 2024 races, while the Graduate Student Association claimed the alumni team win. Hanszen College bike teams were the runner-up in the alumni and men’s races, while Brown College was the runner-up in the women’s race. Martel and McMurtry Colleges did not bike in the alumni race, according to the Rice Program Council’s final report, and the GSA was disqualified from the men’s race for accidentally sending out two bikers simultaneously.
Please note All comments are eligible for publication by The Rice Thresher.