Final answer:
A Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Investigator has the authority to arrest and administratively cite individuals or licensees for violations of ABC law, with historical contexts revealing a darker role in social regulation post-Prohibition.
Step-by-step explanation:
A Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Investigator holds the authority to enforce laws related to the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages. This includes the capacity to arrest or issue criminal citations to any individual found breaking the law. In addition, the Department Investigator has the power to administratively cite licensees to the Board for breaches of ABC laws, as per KRS 241.090, 243.520, 431.005. Post-Prohibition, such departments also played a role in social regulation by targeting bars that served gay and lesbian clientele, leading to broader implications for community safety and rights.
Enforcement efforts by such investigators are tied to historical practices where bars were often harassed or shut down if they catered to certain minorities, creating a pervasive atmosphere of fear. The power to enforce these laws is still in effect today, however, it operates with more oversight and generally focuses on preventing criminal actions related to intoxicating liquors, keeping the public safe, and ensuring licit operations of establishments.