FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: January 16, 2026 MEDIA AVAILABILITY: For interviews or additional information please contact Assistant Director/General Counsel & PIO Lori Carter, Oklahoma ABLE Commission, (405) 208-1140 Oklahoma reports lowest underage alcohol sales rate on record
OKLAHOMA CITY — January 16, 2026 — Oklahoma retailers sold alcohol to underage buyers at the lowest rate recorded since the alcohol purchase survey began in 2015, according to the 2025 Oklahoma Underage Access to Alcohol Report released by the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission. The statewide violation rate dropped to 16.2%, down from 26.3% in 2023 and representing a more than 50% reduction since the first survey was conducted.
“Employees who followed the law and completed required ABLE training were far less likely to sell alcohol to a minor,” said Brandon Clabes, ABLE Commission director. “The results show enforcement, training and responsible retail practices are working.” Employees with a valid ABLE employee alcohol license were nearly four times less likely to sell alcohol to a youth than those without a license. More than 87% of employees checked during the survey had completed ABLE-approved training. The report also shows continued improvement among on-premise establishments, such as bars and restaurants, where sales to underage buyers decreased by nearly 50% since 2023. While retailer compliance continues to improve, data from the Oklahoma Prevention Needs Assessment Survey during the 2023–2024 school year indicates more youth report accessing alcohol from their homes, with or without parental permission. “Preventing underage drinking is not just about stopping an illegal sale. It’s about protecting young people from harm,” said ODMHSAS Interim Commissioner Greg Slavonic. “This data helps communities understand where risks remain and where education and prevention can have the greatest impact.” The alcohol purchase survey provides a statewide snapshot of compliance, but preventing underage access to alcohol remains a shared local responsibility. Law enforcement agencies across Oklahoma have the authority to conduct preventative compliance checks, and the report is intended to support those efforts by highlighting effective strategies.
Training resources available statewide include:
- • 2 Much 2 Lose (2M2L) law enforcement and community training, which provides education on underage drinking laws, trends and enforcement strategies and offers 7.5 CLEET credits.
Trainings are scheduled across Oklahoma in 2026: https://odmhsas.docebosaas.com/learn/externalecommerce;view=none;redirectURL=?ctldoc-catalog-0=se-2M2L
- ABLE-approved employee alcohol training, required for individuals who sell or serve alcohol in Oklahoma. View the list of approved programs.
- Law Enforcement agencies can request training from ABLE.
