READING — Chief David Clark reports that the Reading Police Department will be conducting compliance checks at establishments in town that are licensed to sell alcohol.
These enforcement efforts may include compliance checks at restaurants and retail locations that sell alcohol either for on- or off-site consumption, reverse stings, party patrols and more. Through a combination of these approaches, Reading Police expect to monitor, analyze and — when appropriate — hold accountable establishments and individuals found to be in violation of state liquor laws.
Reading Police’s enforcement efforts are made possible through grant funding from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.
Since 2006, Reading Police, Reading Public Schools and the Town of Reading have jointly spearheaded an effort, working alongside the Reading Coalition for Prevention and Support to address alcohol compliance and prevent underage drinking. Improvements to town liquor policy, such as responsible beverage service education requirements, have resulted in increased compliance.
Between 2008 and 2019, 96% of all Reading businesses passed their compliance checks.
In 2012, the Reading Public Schools created a comprehensive Chemical Health Policy that holds high school students accountable for any substance misuse. Reading Police implemented a Pre-Arraignment Diversion Program in 2012.
The Reading Coalition’s Chemical Health Education Program provides education, case management and referrals that help youth that receive school violations or diversion contracts.
Additionally, the 2021 Reading Youth Risk Behavior Survey showed reductions across all alcohol risk factors for local high school-aged youth.
“Despite the progress our community has made, impaired driving and alcohol-related crashes remain all too common among young people and we remain committed to taking proactive steps and working with our community partners to prevent underage drinking,” Chief Clark said. “Communities that actively work to prevent alcohol from reaching minors reap the benefits of fewer crashes involving underage drinking, and maintaining that success is our shared responsibility.”
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