LAKEWOOD, CO, August 19, 2016 — The Colorado Department of Revenue, Liquor Enforcement Division (LED), will step up the fight against underage drinking and over service by licensed alcohol establishments during the final weekends leading up to Labor Day.
Local police and sheriff offices will conduct checkpoints and saturation patrols focused on Adams, El Paso and Jefferson counties. While local authorities are conducting these activities, the LED will be involved in the following enforcement operations.
First, investigators will conduct compliance checks on local bars, retail liquor stores, and stores that sell 3.2% beer in the area of the checkpoints and patrols. Second, in cooperation with retail liquor store owners, the LED will conduct the “Cops In Shops” program where LED investigators will be in liquor establishments looking for underage patrons who attempt to purchase alcohol. Finally, the LED will follow up on “point of last drink” information given by underage drivers who are cited for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) during the checkpoints and saturation patrols.
Underage alcohol consumption is a concern both nationally, and in Colorado. Over consumption and DUI are also major concerns. Conducting compliance checks, the “Cops in Shops” program, and following up on “point of last drink” information during “The Heat Is On” campaign, are all efforts to address these concerns.
Funding for these special operations comes from a Colorado Department of Transportation one-year grant focused on reducing alcohol related fatalities among underage drinkers, specifically in Adams, El Paso and Jefferson counties.
*The Colorado Department of Revenue is dedicated to providing quality service to our customers in fulfillment of our fiduciary and statutory responsibilities, while instilling public confidence through professional and responsive employees.