Sacramento – The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) reminds licensees to serve alcohol responsibly this Fourth of July weekend by remembering to check identifications, not sell to obviously intoxicated patrons, and not over-serve customers. ABC also reminds the public to be responsible by planning ahead and designating a sober driver, if they choose to celebrate with alcohol.
“We can all do our part in keeping everyone safe by planning to take alternative transportation or designating a sober driver to get home safely.” said ABC Director Eric Hirata.
ABC suggests licensees offer nonalcoholic drinks for designated sober drivers and monitor who is drinking alcohol. If you see people leaving who have been drinking alcohol, check on how they are getting home and offer alternate transportation if needed.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) will deploy extra patrol officers over the holiday weekend as part of a Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) that begins at 6:01 p.m. on Friday, July 1, through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, July 4.
In addition to speeding violations, officers will be on the lookout for distracted and aggressive drivers, and motorists suspected of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. There were 43 people killed in crashes on California’s roadways during the 2021 Independence Day MEP, and more than one-third of the vehicle occupants who died within CHP jurisdiction were not wearing a seat belt. In addition, the CHP made 997 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs during the holiday enforcement effort.
The average cost of a first-time DUI arrest is approximately $13,500, accounting for vehicle impound fees, fines, attorney fees, auto insurance hikes and other penalties.
Fourth 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.
