AUSTIN — The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission and the Texas Restaurant Association are conducting a free webinar on Jan. 18 to educate individuals working in the alcoholic beverage industry on the warning signs of human trafficking and how to report it.
The joint webinar is part of both groups’ efforts to recognize Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The annual observance, announced by Gov. Greg Abbott on Jan. 3, is intended to raise awareness of human trafficking while empowering Texans to report suspected crime. TABC has a statutory directive to prevent criminal activity at TABC-licensed locations, and human trafficking is among the many crimes the agency works to stop.
The webinar will help business owners and their employees identify the signs of human trafficking and report concerning activity to law enforcement, according to TABC Executive Director Thomas Graham.
“Our best tool to fight human trafficking is the eyes and ears of all Texans,” he said. “TABC is proud to work with our partners in the Texas Restaurant Association and the alcoholic beverage industry to help make a safer Texas for all.”
TABC and the TRA have a long history of partnering to promote public safety through webinars, in-person training, and other initiatives.
”Human trafficking is a preventable crime that occurs throughout Texas,” said Emily Williams Knight, Ed.D., president and CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association. “We’re proud to work hand-in-hand with the TABC to empower our industry so we can lead in the effort to stop this human trafficking in Texas.”
The free online webinar begins at 2 p.m. CST Thursday, Jan. 18. Participants may register at https://bit.ly/3SaiaQX. Industry members may also request a recording of the webinar by emailing Erica Valdriz at evaldriz@txrestaurant.org.
For information on the Texas Restaurant Association, visit http://www.txrestaurant.org. For more information on TABC, visit tabc.texas.gov.
