DUI Task Force cracks down with compliance checks

SANDERS COUNTY – Two organizations have teamed up in an effort to reduce youth access to alcohol as well as over service of consumers.

Earlier this month, the Sanders County Sheriff’s Office began implementing a proactive approach to reduce youth access to alcohol by planning regular compliance checks of businesses licensed to sell alcohol within the county.

Beginning in February, businesses throughout Sanders County will be randomly selected and checked. The plan is to check all the establishments within the county at least once per quarter. The sheriff’s office and Sanders County DUI Task Force encourages businesses to take underage service and over service seriously. According to a press release, the organizations need the community’s help to curb underage drinking and the very real problem of over service. Tom Rummel, Sanders County Sheriff has big hopes for the compliance checks.

“It is our hope that all of our alcohol providers put forth the extra effort to voluntarily comply with Montana alcohol laws. The goal for the next year is to have all businesses pass every compliance check,” Rummel said.

During the course of the next year the task force will partner up with Mineral County DUI Task Force to implement multijurisdictional strategies to reduce underage drinking as well as drinking and driving. In order to address over service, the group plans to host Responsible Alcohol Server Trainings. The training outlines the rights, responsibility and Montana Law in relation to the sale of alcohol.

“This class is designed to bring awareness to servers and sellers, let them know that Montana law is on their side when it comes to cutting a person off or choosing not to sell because someone doesn’t have identification or appears to be intoxicated.” Certified trainer and Coordinator of Elevate Youth Coalition, Chuck Standeford said. “Law enforcement coordinates with us on class dates in a effort to be sure everyone has been given the opportunity to participate in training prior to compliance checks. If you serve alcohol and haven’t been through the class, you should do so quickly.”

The task force stressed the community as a whole should take the project seriously in order for it to be successful.

“Parents, neighbors, community members, liquor vendors and law enforcement all have to work together to help provide the safest community possible. That means working together to maker sure we are keeping alcohol out of the hands of minors and the already intoxicated,” Standeford said.

If you would like to know more about responsible alcohol server training please call Chuck Standeford at 544-7734 or Krista Standeford at 546-4269.