The San Rafael Alcohol Compliance Team (ACT) has been created through a partnership with the San Rafael Police Department and the Marin County Department of Health & Human Services to reduce underage and excessive drinking in youth ages 12 – 25. San Rafael ACT will be implementing effective enforcement activities that change the conditions in our community that can promote health and decrease the problems associated with excessive drinking. Examples of these are compliance checks at bars, restaurants, and special events. These activities will continue to ensure that the business community and residents follow laws which have been put in place to protect the health and safety of our community.
In a recent interview, Chief Diana Bishop of the San Rafael Police Department explains why the Alcohol Compliance Team (ACT) will help transform our community into a safer and healthier environment for San Rafael residents and visitors.
1. Why is the San Rafael ACT a priority for the community?
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"Our community is concerned with the health and safety of all of our residents. However, those in the age group targeted by this initiative are of particular concern as it relates to underage and excessive drinking and its effects. Our youth should be able to live, learn, work and play in a community that helps them reach their full potential."
2. What are your hopes for the San Rafael ACT?
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"Our hope is that the San Rafael Community in its entirety, including youth, business owners and employees, parents, and everyone who cares about our youth, will embrace the goals of San Rafael ACT, to reduce underage drinking and excessive drinking in youth ages 12-25. Through education, information sharing, and enforcement activities we hope to bring awareness to these behaviors and the detrimental effects on individuals, families, and our community as a whole."
3. How will the community benefit from the San Rafael ACT?
"If we are able to reduce the incidents and prevalence of underage drinking and excessive drinking in youth ages 12-25 the community benefits in myriad ways. The health risks associated with excessive drinking will be diminished, the number of alcohol related trips to the emergency departments of our local hospitals will drop, public drunkenness and the costs associated with police, fire, EMS, and jail staff will lessen and we will likely see fewer injuries and assaults related to alcohol. The benefits may be difficult to measure but worthy of effort."
4. What does a healthy San Rafael look like to you?
"A healthy San Rafael is a place where alcohol is not used in excess by those 21 years of age and older and its use by those under the age of 21 is not condoned, facilitated, or ignored by adults. A healthy San Rafael is a place where all of our residents, businesses and schools can thrive."
5. What is your vision for a healthier San Rafael?
"My vision for a healthier San Rafael is a place where we can talk about tough issues, like underage drinking, frankly and openly with each other. When a young person’s first discussion about alcohol is with a Police Officer, it is too late. Parents and family members must be proactive and set boundaries for those they care about and the community as a whole needs to see their role in the issue as well as the solution. The health of our community and its youth depend on it."
6. Is there an anonymous phone number tip line to call if someone suspects over-service of alcohol or an underage drinking party? If not, what is the best way/method to report such activities to the SRPD?
"The non-emergency number to San Rafael Police is 485-3000. Callers may remain anonymous when reporting over-service of alcohol at bars and restaurants or instances of underage drinking. Parties where underage people are drinking may also be reported."
Let your voice be heard: "What is your vision for a healthier San Rafael?" Please start the conversation and answer this question in the comment stream below!
For more information please visit https://www.facebook.com/SanRafaelACT.
Stay tuned for more information on ACT and how you can get involved!
