Compliance Checks of Alcohol Retailers

A compliance check is a standardized enforcement procedure used to identify alcohol establishments that sell to underage youth and to increase retailer compliance with prohibitions on alcohol sales to minors.

What is this strategy?

Catalog of Prevention Strategies (Compliance Checks)

Alcohol Compliance Checks (Town Hall Meetings)

When should I consider implementing this strategy?

Youth are able to purchase alcohol in bars, restaurants, liquor stores, community events, weddings, etc.
Retail staff at alcohol establishments are not carding
Compliance checks are occurring infrequently if at all

How do I implement this strategy?

Key Activities for Implementation:

Educate/Train police departments on compliance checks procedures
Publicize results of checks and build community support
Conduct at least four compliance checks per year

Compliance Checks Implementation Toolkit (FACE)

OJJDP Conducting Compliance Check Operations Presentation

Have others implemented this strategy?

North Dakota Communities:

Fargo Compliance Checks Ordinance

Grand Forks Protocol for Conducting Alcohol Compliance Checks

“Businesses Fail Alcohol Youth Tests” (Article, Dickinson Press)

“Six Grand Forks-area businesses fail alcohol compliance checks” (Article, Grand Forks Herald)

“4 Minot businesses fail alcohol compliance check” (Article, Minot KMOT)

“Six Fargo businesses fail alcohol compliance checks” (Article, WDAY Fargo)

“9 Dickinson businesses fail alcohol compliance checks” (Article, Dickinson Press)