ABC Says be Careful on Cinco de Mayo

Sacramento – The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) will have agents out to keep the public safe through enforcement of alcoholic beverage laws in communities throughout California on May 5th, when there are many celebrations recognizing Cinco de Mayo. ABC Agents will visit ABC licensed businesses to ensure licensees are not serving alcohol to obviously intoxicated patrons and persons under 21 years-old.

Along with enforcement efforts, ABC asks all licensees to follow the law. “ABC licensed establishments play a significant role in the effort to improve overall safety in communities. They can do their part by preventing underage drinking through a close check of ID’s, not serving obviously intoxicated patrons, and reminding everyone of alternative transportation options to get home safely,” says ABC Director Eric Hirata.

ABC reminds anyone of legal drinking age to designate a non-drinking sober driver before any celebrations where alcohol is involved. Some may think they can play it by ear and wait until after the party has started to decide whether they’re “okay to drive.” By this point, it’s too late. Going out for a night of drinking without a plan for getting home safely is a recipe for disaster.

ABC supports the effort from the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to educate all drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Remember: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving, and when you drive impaired, you run the risk of killing yourself or someone else. You will be looking at jail time, the loss of your driver’s license, higher insurance rates, and dozens of other unanticipated expenses ranging from attorney fees, court costs, car or motorcycle towing, repairs and lost wages due to time off from work. The average DUI can cost more than $10,000.

ABC Cinco de Mayo enforcement efforts are funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and remember – Report Drunk Drivers – call 911.

ABC protects communities through education and by administering prevention and enforcement programs designed to increase compliance with California’s alcoholic beverage laws. To learn more about ABC programs that can prevent alcohol-related harm and save lives visit.

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

Follow ABC on Twitter
Follow ABC on Facebook