Responsible Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Retailer Program

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Thursday, September 9, 1999
Responsible Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Retailer Program

In an attempt to curtail alcoholic beverage violations through education and training, the Los Angeles Police Department in conjunction with the State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) have developed the Responsible ABC Retailer Program. The program, developed through the Grant Assistance to Local Law Enforcement (GALE) program, is specifically designed to promote the responsible distribution of alcoholic beverages at the retail level. The Responsible ABC Retailer Program is a continuation of the Department’s attempt to educate the retail community of their responsibilities and obtain their voluntary compliance with the rules and regulations governing the retail sales of alcoholic beverages in our communities.

The Responsible ABC Retailer Program will be managed by personnel assigned to Organized Crime and Vice Division, Operation ABC. This informative and educational program, is free of charge and open to all interested ABC retailers operating within the Los Angeles area. Participating retailers must attend a Standardized Training for Alcohol Retailers (STAR) training seminar, complete an Informed Merchants Preventing Alcohol-Related Crime Tendencies (IMPACT) inspection, and enter into a verbal contract with the Department agreeing to promote responsible sales and service of alcoholic beverages.

Every retailer participating in the Responsible ABC Retailer Program will be provided with window and cash register placards. It is the intent of these placards to dissuade potential violators (i.e., minors, intoxicated individuals, and other ABC-related violations) by identifying the location as being operated by a "responsible ABC retailer".

It is hoped that the Responsible ABC Retailer Program, in conjunction with STAR training, will enhance the Department’s positive working relationship with all ABC retailers. Through education, encouragement and the development of partnerships with retailers, we will be promoting the responsible sales of alcoholic beverages and reducing the likelihood of ABC-related violations occurring.

For additional information regarding this program please contact Detective Rick McElroy or Sergeant Stephen Moore, Organized Crime and Vice Division, "Operation ABC", at 213-473-7633.

For Release 12:10 pm PDT
September 9, 1999