Agents will be out the Fourth of July Weekend to Increase Public Safety

Sacramento – The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) today announced agents will visit restaurants and bars on the Fourth of July weekend to ensure public safety. ABC agents will look in on licensees and their employees to ensure they are checking identifications to prevent underage drinking. Agents will also monitor these locations to ensure that patrons are not being over served.

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), last year (2020), 36 people were killed in collisions statewide and CHP officers made 589 arrests for driving under the influence during the Fourth of July Maximum Enforcement Period that started on Wednesday July 3 and ran through Sunday night, July 7.

“Celebrate our nation’s independence responsibly. You can do your part by having a plan that includes a sober designated driver before you celebrate,” said ABC Director Eric Hirata. “ABC agents will be out this holiday weekend to increase public safety by enforcing alcoholic beverage laws to help keep the streets, roads and highways safe.”

If you will be celebrating Independence Day and hosting others, offer nonalcoholic drinks for designated sober drivers and monitor who is drinking. If you see people leaving who have been drinking, check on how they are getting home.

The average cost of a DUI arrest is approximately $13,500, accounting for vehicle impound fees, fines, attorney fees, auto insurance hikes and other penalties.

Fourth of July weekend enforcement efforts are funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

ABC protects communities through education and by administering prevention and enforcement programs designed to increase compliance with California’s alcoholic beverage laws.

ABC is a Department of the Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency.

Contact

Additional information may be obtained by contacting:

Public Information Office
3927 Lennane Drive, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95834
Email: pio@abc.ca.gov
Phone: (916) 419-2525

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