Alcohol Licensing and its Increasing Accountability Measures
For a community to thrive, every stakeholder must play their part in ensuring public safety. From the police that serve to protect us, to the very businesses we interact with on a daily basis. Today, I would like to delve into a new initiative that exemplifies this collective responsibility – a program by the Laguna Beach Police Department to alert businesses about a DUI arrest connected to their establishment.
Moving Beyond Punishment: Enlightened Policing in Laguna Beach
While DUI arrests are often associated with individual accountability, it is refreshing to see law enforcement agencies adopt an evolved approach that focuses on holistic solutions. The Laguna Beach Police Department’s initiative does not aim to punish, but rather enlighten and engage businesses, mobilizing them to become proactive participants in the fight against drunk driving. By communicating with businesses about DUI arrests related to their premises, law enforcement hopes to foster greater responsibility and awareness.
Business Self-Regulation: The Case of Moulin in Laguna Beach
One business that enthusiastically supports this initiative is Moulin, a French-themed bistro in Laguna Beach. While its owner, Laurent Vrignaud, underlines that they rarely have customers who over-indulge, they are committed to ensuring their customers stay safe. What stands out from Vrignaud’s perspective is not merely his acceptance but also his client-centric approach. There’s a true sense of considering the responsibility a business has to its customers, from their experience within the premises to their safety when they leave.
Impacts on Alcohol Licensing: Regulatory Compliance and Best Practices
More than just raising awareness, another objective of this initiative is to allow businesses to review their policies and ensure compliance with the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). By connecting DUI instances to specific establishments, it offers a proactive evaluation tool for businesses to refine their practices. This initiative could even lead to an exploration of equipping businesses with more vigorous training to identify and deal with potential drunk driving risks. Consequently, it may influence policy changes within the ABC licensing systems, integrating stronger adherence to best practices in alcohol service.
Protecting Patrons: The Last Line of Defence Against Drunk Driving
Vrignaud rightly points out the worst-case scenario with a chilling clarity: “The last thing you want is to serve one too many drinks to a customer which either is going to kill someone or kill themselves.” Businesses, especially those operating during unconventional hours, often serve as the last line of defence against drunk driving. In this role, they can play a vital part in preventing unthinkable tragedies. Interventions such as arranging for a cab or refusing to serve further alcohol to inebriated patrons, can save lives.
The Future: Alcoholic Beverage Control’s Role and DUI-Related Investigations
In the landscape shaped by this new initiative, the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control has a pivotal role. As the regulatory body overseeing alcohol licensing, the ABC could start conducting investigations into businesses related to DUI incidents, potentially holding them liable for overserving. This concept, while it might seem drastic, can serve as a reminder and a deterrent for businesses to maintain a balanced approach to alcohol service.
This multidimensional approach to preventing drunk driving, combining regulatory oversight with collective community responsibility, presents a promising step toward greater public safety. As a community, we should welcome and support such thoughtful and proactive initiatives, as we all play a part in making our towns, cities, and counties safe places to live and enjoy.
Originally Post From https://abc7.com/post/laguna-beach-pd-notify-business-serve-alcohol-when-dui-arrest-is-directly-linked-establishment/15711891/
