Cody Thomas
Nebraska State Patrol
(NORTH PLATTE, NEB.) — Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol conducted numerous alcohol compliance checks in April. These checks were conducted in partnership with local public health agencies.
On April 6, investigators conducted alcohol compliance checks in Dawes County. In total 26 businesses were inspected. Two of those businesses sold alcohol to a minor. This operation was supported by grant #1848 from the Panhandle Prevention District/Public Health District.
On April 12, investigators conducted checks in Chase and Perkins Counties. Ten businesses were checked with one business selling alcohol to a minor. This project was funded 100% by the Region II Human Services SUPTBG ($427,899.00, 6B08TIO85820-01M002) through SAMHSA, contracted through the NDHHS, Division of Behavioral Health.
On April 13, investigators conducted checks in Deuel and Garden Counties. A total of 15 businesses were inspected. One of those businesses sold alcohol to a minor. This operation was supported by grant #1848 from the Panhandle Prevention District/Public Health District.
On April 18, investigators conducted checks in Custer and Loup Counties. All eleven businesses inspected refused to sell alcohol to a minor for a compliance rate of 100%.
On April 27, investigators conducted checks in Scotts Bluff County. In total, 27 businesses were inspected. All 27 businesses refused to sell alcohol to a minor. The compliance rate was 100%. This effort was supported by grant funding from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office.
On April 28, investigators conducted alcohol compliance checks in Nemaha and Otoe Counties. In total, 21 businesses were inspected. Three of those business sold alcohol to a minor.
For the month of April, 89 businesses were inspected in total. 85 of those businesses refused to sell alcohol to a minor. April’s overall compliance rate was 96%.
The businesses checked included restaurants, bars, grocery stores, liquor stores, convenience stores, and other establishments that sell alcohol. Businesses that sell alcohol to a minor are referred to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission. Clerks who sell alcohol to a minor are cited for procuring alcohol for a minor.
Alcohol-serving businesses and employees have access to training resources through the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission. Responsible Beverage Server Training is a comprehensive training designed to equip staff with the necessary knowledge and skills to serve alcohol responsibly in a bar, convenience store, grocery store, or at a special event, manage difficult situations, and uphold legal and ethical standards. To enroll in this free training program or to learn more about its benefits, please visit: https://rbst.lincoln.ne.gov/index.php?page=registration. A full list of certified alcohol training programs recommended by the Commission can be found here: Certified Alcohol Training Courses.pdf (nebraska.gov).