Arlington Police Department Conducts Alcohol Compliance Checks

For Immediate Release
Monday, April 6, 2015

Contact: Captain Richard Flynn, PIO
Office: 781-316-3907
Cell: 781-844-1224
Email: rflynn@town.arlington.ma.us

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Arlington Police Department Conducts Alcohol Compliance Checks

ARLINGTON – Chief Frederick Ryan and the Arlington Police Department are emphasizing the importance of lawful alcohol compliance checks of establishments licensed to serve alcohol after multiple violations occurred recently.

So far this year, 31 compliance checks have been conducted. Of these checks, five violations were documented involving the sale of alcohol to minors.

“Service of alcoholic beverages to minors is a crime. We have had many tragedies in the past involving youth and alcohol in our community, and we aim to create a culture among our licensed establishments in which compliance with the provisions of their liquor license and adherence to the law is among their highest priorities,” Chief Ryan said. “We are thankful for the continued support of our efforts from the community.”

Alcohol compliance checks are vital to ensuring that businesses obey the laws pertaining to the sale of alcohol, especially in cases of underage drinking. Alcohol use by minors is linked to increased motor vehicle accidents, crime, and poor performance in school. It is imperative that establishments licensed to sell liquor continue to abide by the laws and regulations of their license in order to keep Arlington safe.

An Arlington Board of Selectmen meeting was held on March 30 where violators from compliance checks conducted on January 22 had their liquor license suspended for three days. This was the first offense for each establishment. The Board of Selectmen will meet at a later date to address violators from compliance checks that were performed on March 12.

Prior to conducting any compliance checks, the Arlington Police Department issues a press release announcing such inspections will be conducted in the near future. Licensed establishments should contact the Arlington Police Department if they need assistance in maintaining compliance with the provisions of the issued license or the law.

The compliance checks are funded in part by theArlington Youth Health and Safety Coalition.

“As an organization dedicated to public health and safety, we believe that the safety of our children is paramount,” said Christine Bongiorno, Arlington’s Director of Health and Human Services, whose department oversees the Coalition. “We are proud to stand with the Arlington Police Department in working to prevent the sale of alcohol to minors.”

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