Administration

In direct response to public demand for stricter laws concerning the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in East Baton Rouge Parish, the Metropolitan Council created the Office of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) in 1981. Through the direction of Director Christopher Cranford the Office of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) is responsible for overseeing the alcoholic beverage industries within East Baton Rouge Parish. ABC licenses and regulates all businesses and individuals in East Baton Rouge Parish who sell, serve or dispense alcoholic beverages. ABC has continued to respond to those concerns and is also committed to helping solve the problems associated with underage persons acquiring and consuming alcoholic beverages. Over many years, ABC has grown to meet the needs of a growing community and is devoted to the enforcement of the laws of East Baton Rouge Parish.

Mission

The mission of the Office of Alcoholic Beverage Control is to maintain the integrity of alcoholic beverage industries through effective regulation that promotes responsible business practices and the prevention of underage drinking.

Goal

ABC’s goal is to provide businesses as well as individuals with excellent customer service throughout the licensing process and to protect and safeguard all citizens in East Baton Rouge Parish.

Organization

The ABC Office consists of a licensing division, an investigation/ enforcement division, legal and prosecution division and a nine-member board. Members of the ABC Board are appointed from the public at large by the Metropolitan Council and serve two-year terms. The ABC Board meets bimonthly to conduct hearings for businesses and individuals charged with violations of the Wine, Beer and Liquor Ordinance, reviews license applications and discuss matters concerning the enforcement of the local alcohol laws. The ABC Office has continued to respond to those concerns, and is also committed to helping solve the problems associated with underage persons acquiring and consuming alcoholic beverages.

Education

ABC is also committed to education. All persons or businesses who are involved in the selling, serving or dispensing of alcoholic beverages are required by state law to attend a Responsible Vendor/Server training class. The classes are taught by state certified ABC Agents.