[7] The new law came in response to a public referendum and created a new type of state-issued permit allowing the sales of distilled spirits and mixed drinks in areas specifically authorized by local elections.

[16] Cook's activities and travel payments as chair of the National Conference of State Liquor Administrators were also investigated by the Texas Ethics Commission, which ultimately found no wrongdoing.

[18] Lilly's first priorities included hiring a new executive director to succeed Cook, naming former United States Army brigadier general Bentley Nettles on July 12, 2017.

These efforts drew praise from the alcoholic beverage industry, noting that "the transformation that has taken place already under General Nettles' leadership is hard to overstate.

"[20] The initiatives also resulted in a reduction in major litigation against the agency; one suit filed by the McLane Company, which claimed that Texas laws prohibiting vertical integration of the liquor industry was unconstitutional, was dropped.

[21] In 2018, TABC was reviewed by the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission, a legislative board which determines whether a state agency's function is still required and seeks ways to improve efficiencies and performance.

The online-only system allowed TABC to modernize operations, cut costs and improve customer service, while providing users a means to more quickly and easily submit and track applications, letters and other documents.

"[25] TABC conducts regular inspections of all Texas businesses which hold a state-issued license to manufacture, distribute, or sell alcohol, and agency inspectors are trained to recognize the warning signs of human trafficking at these locations.

[26] A Houston-area operation in 2004 resulted in the rescue of more than 100 human trafficking victims,[27] and recent efforts include partnerships with local, state, and federal task forces as well as Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott.

It educates servers on responsible alcohol service, including how to verify identification, spot signs of intoxication, and prevent sales to minors, thereby promoting safer establishments and communities statewide.