FREDERICK, Md. — An effort to curb underage drinking in Frederick, Maryland has led to police targeting businesses that sell alcohol to customers under the age of 21.
According to the Frederick Police Department, officers have monitored 230 businesses since the beginning of 2014.
Among those, 32 establishments were caught selling alcohol to minors.
“Along with compliance checks of liquor stores, we’ve branched out into checking the businesses that actually sell drinks such as bars and restaurants,” said Frederick Police Lt. Bruce DeGrange.
“Obviously there’s always room for improvement, so we’re looking for 100 percent compliance.”
Another part of the anti-underage drinking effort in Frederick involves community outreach, including parent workshops and public service announcements.
“One of our goals is to really empower the parents and community members with the tools to talk to kids about alcohol,” said Laura LaMotte with the Frederick County Health Department.
Officials with the police and health departments partnered with other organizations in 2012 to form the Frederick County Alcohol Prevention Initiative Coalition.
The group meets on the third Thursday of every month at the Frederick County Health Department.
