The New Hampshire Liquor Commission’s Division of Enforcement and Licensing announced it’s stepping up efforts to combat impaired driving and alcohol abuse during the holiday season. From the press release:
CONCORD-The New Hampshire Liquor Commission Division of Enforcement and Licensing announced at a press conference today it is stepping up statewide efforts to combat impaired driving and alcohol abuse this holiday season. Utilizing a $25,000 grant from the National Liquor Law Enforcement Association (NLLEA), the Division of Enforcement and Licensing will bolster awareness efforts and enforcement operations throughout this holiday season in an effort to reduce drunk driving. Nationally, 85,000 people die each year from alcohol-related causes, and alcohol is involved in 31% of all traffic crash fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“The New Hampshire Liquor Commission takes public safety extremely seriously and we are committed to ensuring the safety of all New Hampshire residents and visitors to our state,” said NHLC Chairman Joseph W. Mollica. “We certainly understand the holidays are a time to celebrate and enjoy the company of family and friends, but NHLC also views this time as a chance to underscore the risks, dangers and consequences of impaired driving, so we can work together to stop drinking and driving before it happens.”
As part of its strategy to curtail impaired driving, the Division of Enforcement will increase visits to licensed establishments to speak with license holders, employees, patrons and motorists to increase awareness of the dangers associated with impaired driving. During this initiative, Liquor Enforcement investigators will conduct undercover and high-visibility operations with an emphasis on detecting service of alcohol to intoxicated individuals and reducing instances of impaired driving. Enforcement officers will have an increased presence both at establishments and on patrols.
“The Division of Enforcement and Licensing is constantly working to reduce drinking and driving and the over-service of alcoholic beverages,” said James Wilson, Director of the NHLC Division of Enforcement. “While we certainly understand and appreciate that the holiday season is a time for celebration and cheer, we would also remind residents that it is critical that people enjoy the holidays safely and responsibly.”
As part of its efforts to reduce impaired driving, the Division of Enforcement and Licensing is partnering with other New Hampshire law enforcement agencies to collect place of last drink (POLD) data.
“If a driver is arrested for DUI, Liquor Enforcement Investigators will conduct covert operations to see if other patrons are being over served,” Wilson said. “This sharing of data is a crucial investigative tool for law enforcement to track and monitor bars and other alcohol serving establishments that could pose a threat to public safety.”
Along with enforcing state liquor laws, the NHLC Enforcement Division is dedicated to educating the public, consumers, students and liquor license holders about the state’s liquor laws and statutes, along with the legal, financial, social and health risks of abusing alcohol. In addition to impaired driving focus periods, the Enforcement Division hosts a monthly schedule of alcohol awareness events and trainings aimed at generating awareness for employees, restaurant owners, managers and the public.
