CHARLESTON, Tenn. – The next time there is a fatal traffic accident linked to drunken driving in Tennessee, the investigative eyes of the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission and the Tennessee Highway Patrol will be watching.
The ABC, which issues liquor licenses in Tennessee, now has direct access to the THP’s computer database for accidents related to drunken driving. That means the commission will know sooner about any distributor who may be serving underage drinkers or visibly intoxicated ones, officials said Tuesday.
THP Director Col. Tracy Trott and ABC Executive Director Danielle Elks joined others at the Charleston Fire Department on Tuesday to announce the partnership put together by state Rep. Eric Watson, R-Cleveland.
“You’ve heard the expression ‘where there’s smoke, there’s fire.’ Well, where there’s smoke, the ABC special agents can now look for the fire,” Watson said at the news conference.
“This partnership will allow ABC special agents to more quickly gather information regarding alcohol-related traffic accidents,” he said. “This information could lead to further investigations into possible violations of state liquor laws.”