Partnership between Chesterfield SAFE and CCPD makes progress in preventing underage alcohol sales
Chesterfield County, Virginia – Chesterfield County Police Department (CCPD) and Chesterfield Substance Abuse Free Environment (SAFE) are on a mission to keep alcohol out of the hands of underage individuals. By working together each fall and spring, the partnership utilizes its alcohol compliance checks to identify stores that make illicit sales to individuals under the legal drinking age of 21.
In the fall of 2022, a significant number of businesses failed to comply with the checks. However, this past spring, the outcome was very different. More businesses followed the law than in previous years, resulting in a decrease of approximately 10% in businesses that failed the compliance checks.
During the spring of 2023, CCPD and Chesterfield SAFE conducted compliance checks at 100 businesses. Only 12% of the businesses failed the checks, a marked improvement from the 22% that failed in the previous fall.
Chesterfield County Police Lieutenant Jay Henderson highlighted the importance of these compliance checks in keeping young people safe. By preventing the sale of alcohol to individuals under 21, the checks contribute significantly to preserving the community’s safety.
According to data collected by Chesterfield SAFE, compliance checks tend to have more positive outcomes in the spring. While the checks serve an educational purpose, violations fall under a Class 1 Misdemeanor. This means that judges determine penalties, which can include fines and mandatory ID verification training from Virginia ABC.
Henderson explained that vendors and store owners can attend ABC training to learn how to check IDs effectively. Consistent compliance checks are crucial to maintaining pressure on businesses that sell alcohol. The organization stressed the importance of preventing alcohol from ending up in the hands of underage individuals. Checking IDs and preventing underage drinking can save lives, as it can lead to alcohol poisonings, DUIs, crashes, and deaths of young people on highways.
Chesterfield SAFE examined the factors behind the significant difference between the non-compliance rates of the fall 2022 and spring 2023 checks. The organization suspects that the gap in time between the Spring 2021 and Fall 2022 checks and the residual impacts of COVID-19 may have contributed to the increase. Nevertheless, consistent compliance checks are vital to maintain the safety of the community.
