California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Agents Will be Out the 4th of July Weekend to Increase Public Safety

Sacramento – The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) today announced it will have agents out ensuring public safety through enforcement of alcoholic beverage laws on the 4^th of July weekend. ABC agents will visit ABC licensed businesses to make sure licensees are checking identifications to prevent underage drinking, and that people are staying safe during this COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), last year (2019), 36 people were killed in collisions statewide and CHP officers made 1,317 arrests for driving under the influence during the 4^th of July Maximum Enforcement Period that started on Wednesday July 3 and ran through Sunday night, July 7.

“ABC agents will be working to try to prevent DUI’s, increase public safety, and reduce youth access to alcohol,” says ABC Director Jacob Appelsmith. “Celebrate our nation’s independence responsibly. You can do your part by having a plan before you celebrate and by following the guidance of health experts by practicing safe physical distancing.”

If you will be celebrating Independence Day with alcohol, designate a sober driver before heading out for the evening. If hosting others, offer nonalcoholic drinks for designated sober drivers and monitor who is drinking. See people leaving who have been drinking? Check 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.

4th 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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