Bureau of Alcohol, Drugs, Tobacco, Firearms, and Lasers

The Bureau of Alcohol, Drugs, Tobacco, Firearms and Lasers was a specialized federal law enforcement and regulatory organization in the United States before the Great War. Among other things, BADTFL offices were responsible for issuing special permits for the civilian use of equipment meant for military and police, such as combat armor. It also issued firearms licenses and conducted firearms licensee qualification and compliance inspections.

In the 21st century, 10mm was the standard ammunition caliber of the BADTFL, used in 10mm pistols and 10mm SMGs, whereas the military was primarily concerned with energy weapons.

The BADTFL was actively involved in the investigation of Edward Winter. Unknown to other agencies such as the Boston Police Department, Winter was working with the bureau to incriminate his associates, in exchange for immunity. Operation Winter's End was solely a distraction to make it seem that Winter was the only one under investigation.

However, the investigation had not been without losses. Jennifer Lands, the fiancé of lead detective Nick Valentine, was killed. The bureau picked up intelligence of increased chatter from Winter's associates regarding the whereabouts of Lands. Seniors in the bureau decided against putting the couple in witness protection in order not to compromise the investigation.

Appearances
BADTFL is mentioned in Fallout, Fallout 4 and Fallout 76.

Behind the scenes
The Bureau of Alcohol, Drugs, Tobacco, Firearms and Lasers, aka BADTFL, is the Fallout Universe's version of the real world Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, aka ATF.