Department of Liquor Control Reports Positive Trend for Mid-Year Alcohol Compliance Checks

For Immediate Release: Monday, December 30, 2013

Montgomery County’s Department of Liquor Control (DLC) reports that the first half of fiscal year 2014 has revealed an increase in alcohol compliance of nearly 10 percent, with rates of 81 percent compliance so far compared to 72 percent in fiscal year 2013.

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.

The compliance check program is a collaboration between the departments of Liquor Control and Police. The team has a 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, approximately one in three compliance checks resulted in a Sale to Minor violation,” said DLC Division Chief Kathie Durbin. “We are happy to see that business owners are getting the message and are training their employees to thoroughly check identification before selling alcohol to these young people.”

Of the 400 compliance checks scheduled to be conducted throughout the year, 210 have been completed so far with 169 sellers and servers refusing alcohol to the teens requesting it.

For more information, contact the DLC Licensing and Outreach Manager, Emily DeTitta at 240-777-1904 or email dlc@montgomerycountymd.gov.

 

Release ID: 13-391
Media Contact: Kathie Durbin 240-777-1917