OLD LYME — On April 24, the Lyme-Old Lyme Prevention Coalition (LOLPC) partnered with the Old Lyme Police Department to conduct compliance checks at local alcohol retail establishments in Old Lyme.
Both organizations are proud to inform the community that all the establishments checked successfully refused the sale of alcohol to a minor.
Alcohol compliance checks are a tool used by law enforcement to reduce the availability of alcohol to underage youth from commercial sources. By partnering with the LOLPC and trained underage youth (ages 18-20), a compliance check is a police-supervised attempt by a minor to purchase alcohol. The trained minors use their own ID and do not attempt to misrepresent themselves.
Compliance checks are a long-standing, nationally-recognized, environmental strategy proven to reduce underage access to alcohol. Routine compliance checks help to identify businesses, which knowingly or unknowingly sell alcohol to minors, and return them to compliance with state law.
The LOLPC congratulates Old Lyme alcohol retailers and continues to provide them with resources and training opportunities for store employees. These TIPS trainings cover the laws concerning service to minors and intoxicated customers, as well as techniques for responsible service and sale of alcohol, and intervention to ensure that underage sales are not made.
Local retailers are important partners in reducing underage drinking and the LOLPC is pleased to continue these positive relationships and connections to keep Lyme/Old Lyme youth safe.
The LOLPC will be partnering with Old Lyme Police to conduct tobacco compliance checks soon.
For more information about the LOLPC, visit www.lysb.org/prevention.