Department of Liquor Control and Responsible Retailing Forum Conduct Research Project to Address Over-Service of Alcohol

For Immediate Release: Thursday, September 22, 2011

Montgomery County’s Department of Liquor Control (DLC) and the Responsible Retailing Forum (RRF) are embarking on a joint research project to study over-service of alcohol at businesses with liquor licenses. A national non-profit organization dedicated to responsible retailing, RRF brings together public and private stakeholders in order to identify model programs to prevent underage sales and over-service of alcohol.

Beginning next week, 40 County businesses that sell alcohol will be visited by RRF’s “mystery shoppers” – trained actors who will attempt to be served alcohol while exhibiting distinct signs of intoxication. The visits will provide first-hand experience on how businesses deal with over-service of alcohol that does not involve enforcement actions for violations. The goal is to identify what is taking place in the licensed facilities to help businesses improve their practices.

Businesses visited by the mystery shoppers will be invited to a community meeting to evaluate the results. Topics will include: the rate of over-service, best practices to avoid over-service, sales to intoxicated individuals and how DLC and RRF can assist in efforts to curb over-service.

“We are excited to be part of this national research project,” said Kathie Durbin, chief of DLC’s Division of Licensure, Regulation and Education. “Our department is committed to assisting licensed establishments and doing our part to help keep Montgomery County safe.”

For more information about this project contact Kathie Durbin at 240-777-1917.

 

Release ID: 11-292
Media Contact: Melissa Romeo 240-777-1989