Department of Liquor Control Issues Report On Alcohol Compliance Check Program

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Montgomery County’s Department of Liquor Control (DLC) recently released the results of its 2013 compliance check program, confirming that 72 percent of establishments that sell alcohol and were checked are doing the right thing and turning away youth under the age of 21. The numbers show a slight increase in illegal sales from the 2012 report.

The compliance check program is a collaboration between the departments of Liquor Control and Police. The team has an annual goal to check at least 400 businesses a year. There are approximately 1,000 licensed establishments (on and off sale) in the County.

“Last year more than one quarter of our compliance checks showed that the law was not being followed and that is unacceptable,” said Police Chief Thomas Manger. “More work needs to be done. Everyone who is in the business of selling or dispensing alcohol is responsible for making sure that they are not serving people under the age of 21. We will be checking.”

During a compliance check, young people under the age of 21 are sent into licensed establishments and/or stores to attempt to purchase alcohol with a vertical Maryland, underage driver’s license. The individuals use their own identification and are not permitted to have facial hair, wear excessive makeup, hats or talk on the phone while making a purchase.

“Raising compliance rates is our priority,” said DLC Division Chief Kathie Durbin. “Businesses should take advantage of the increased education and outreach efforts supported by DLC and make sure their staff is well trained before they sell or serve alcohol.”

The 2014 compliance check program is currently underway. Establishments licensed to sell alcohol can expect to be visited by an underage volunteer in the near future.

For more information, call the DLC Outreach Office at 240-777-1904 or email dlc@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Release ID: 13-344
Media Contact: Kathie Durbin 240-777-1917