Oklahoma ABLE Commission

Congratulations to Oklahoma ABLE Commission Licensing Supervisor Jessica Brence and Digital Application Coordinator Deana Geary on receiving the “Lead The Way” Award from GovPath during training in Colorado!👏🏼

This recognition reflects their dedication, leadership, and commitment to serving Oklahoma. We are proud of their accomplishments and grateful for all they do for the agency.

🚨UNDERAGE ALCOHOL SALES HAVE CONSEQUENCES🚨

Recently, Oklahoma ABLE Commission agents conducted an investigation into multiple complaints of alcohol being sold to underage individuals at a Tulsa-area convenience store.

During the investigation, agents encountered multiple individuals under the age of 21 who had just purchased alcoholic beverages from the business. Several individuals stated the location had developed a reputation for selling alcohol to underage persons. As a result, the store clerk was arrested for unlawfully selling or furnishing alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of 21.

This case serves as an important reminder to all alcohol license holders and employees:
✔️ Always verify identification
✔️ Never assume a customer is of legal age
✔️ Refuse the sale if there is any doubt

Protect your business. Protect your license. Protect your community.

What is an Alcoholic Beverage Employee License, and who is required to obtain one?

An Alcoholic Beverage Employee License authorizes an individual to work in a licensed retail store, mixed beverage establishment, public event, or anywhere alcoholic beverages are sold in Oklahoma.

Age requirements:
🛒 16 years old to work in a grocery or convenience store
🍹 18 years old to work in restaurants
🥃 must be 21 years old to work in retail spirits

Before accepting a position that involves the sale or service of alcoholic beverages, make sure you understand the licensing requirements that apply to you.

📢 IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR EVENT VENUES & ALCOHOL SERVICE PROVIDERS
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Marissa Murrow Act will go into effect in Oklahoma.

Under the new law, individuals serving alcoholic beverages at an event venue will be required to obtain an Event Bartender License, regardless of the type of event being held. The legislation also establishes in-person training requirements for event venue bartender licensees.

The Marissa Murrow Act was enacted through House Bill 2369 (2025 Legislative Session), creating new licensing provisions and defining “event venue” under Oklahoma alcoholic beverage laws.

This legislation is designed to strengthen accountability, promote responsible alcohol service, and enhance public safety across Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma ABLE Commission will continue providing education and resources to help businesses, venue operators, and alcohol service professionals prepare for these changes before the law takes effect.

Learn more about HB2369, please visit the link below:

https://www.sos.ok.gov/documents/legislation/60th/2025/1R/HB/2369.pdf

📂 How Long Should a Licensee Keep Receipts & Records?

Oklahoma ABLE licensees are required to maintain receipts, invoices, inventories, sales records, and other business documents for at least three (3) years.

Proper recordkeeping isn't just good business practice, it's a legal requirement that helps ensure compliance during inspections and audits.

📖 Pursuant to 37A O.S. § 5-126, licensees must maintain records for a minimum of three years. Additional recordkeeping requirements can be found in 37A O.S. § 5-120.

Keeping organized and accurate records helps:
✔ Demonstrate compliance
✔ Verify purchases and inventory
✔ Support sales and transaction records
✔ Protect your license and business operations

Questions about recordkeeping requirements? Contact the Oklahoma ABLE Commission for guidance.

FAQ FRIDAY | Brand Registration
❓ What is Brand Registration & why does it matter?

Brand Registration is required for suppliers and importers who want to sell alcoholic beverage products in Oklahoma. Registering brands with the Oklahoma ABLE Commission helps ensure compliance with state and federal laws and allows products to be legally sold in Oklahoma.
Why it matters:
✔️ Ensures compliance with Oklahoma law
✔️ Promotes accountability and transparency
✔️ Helps maintain accurate product records
✔️ Prevents delays, violations, and enforcement issues
Before a product can legally enter the Oklahoma market, it must be properly registered and approved.
Learn more at Oklahoma.gov/able-commission

🌟 Employee Spotlight:
Catherine Otey 🌟

This month, we are proud to recognize Catherine Otey, our Brand Registration Coordinator, for her outstanding service to the ABLE Commission.

For the past four years, Catherine has played a vital role in helping ensure alcoholic beverage products sold in Oklahoma meet state registration requirements and comply with Oklahoma law. She works closely with manufacturers, nonresident sellers, wholesalers, and industry partners to process brand registrations, assist with annual renewals, review required documentation, coordinate reporting requirements, and help businesses navigate the brand registration process. Her attention to detail and commitment to customer service help keep Oklahoma’s alcohol marketplace operating efficiently and in compliance with state regulations.

Catherine’s professionalism, knowledge, and dedication make her an invaluable member of the ABLE team. We are incredibly appreciative of everything she does behind the scenes to support our agency, our licensees, and the citizens of Oklahoma.

Thank you, Catherine, for your hard work and commitment to excellence!

Businesses that sell to***co or v**e products play an important role in protecting Oklahoma communities and preventing youth access.
The Oklahoma ABLE Commission reminds retailers to:
✔️ Verify IDs and follow age restrictions
✔️ Ensure employees understand to***co laws
✔️ Stay compliant with state regulations
✔️ Understand penalties for unlawful sales

Responsible retailing helps protect your business, your license, and Oklahoma youth.
This education effort is made possible through funding provided by TSET.
Learn more at: Oklahoma.gov/able-commission

Today, we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and our freedoms.

This Memorial Day, the Oklahoma ABLE Commission remembers their courage, service, and bravery. We will never forget.

FAQ FRIDAY | Retail Spirits Store
❓ Where can a retail spirits store purchase alcoholic beverages?

Alcoholic beverages must be purchased from a licensed wine & spirits wholesaler, beer distributor, holder of a small brewer self-distribution license, or holder of a winemaker self-distribution license.
In this case, it is prohibited to purchase alcoholic beverages from another retailer or from a wholesaler club (e.g., Sam’s, Costco, etc.).
📖 Statute Reference: 37A O.S. 6-108

The Oklahoma ABLE Commission is committed to helping licensees stay informed, compliant, and successful through education and enforcement.

To learn more, please visit our newly revamped website at: Oklahoma.gov/able-commission