Over the last month, the Santa Monica Police Department and the State of California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control conducted compliance checks among 59 businesses licensed to sell alcoholic beverages in the City of Santa Monica.  

 

Of the 59 businesses checked, 47 or 80% refused to sell alcohol to the underage buyers who were working with the Police Department.  

 

The Santa Monica Police Department and Santa Monica Against Underage Drinking (SMAUD) commend the businesses who demonstrated responsible alcohol sales during the compliance checks.  The 12 businesses who did sell to the underage buyers were issued citations for failing to comply with the state’s alcohol laws and referred to the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Penalties vary but include fines and license suspension or revocation.

 

Santa Monica Police Chief James T. Butts, Jr. said, “Our Police Department followed standard procedures for conducting compliance checks.  As law enforcement officers, we conduct compliance checks because they have been shown to be an effective strategy in reducing underage drinking.  By themselves, compliance checks will not eliminate youth access to alcohol.  But when combined with a comprehensive community approach, they can help keep alcohol out of the hands of kids.”

 

For more information on Santa Monica Against Underage Drinking (SMAUD), or the Police Department’s Compliance check program go to www.smaud.org.

 

In cooperation with the State of California, Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, Office of Traffic Safety, Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency and Prevention, U.S. Department of Justice.