The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #71422

Rebecca L. Reynolds-Ramirez, MPH and James F. Mosher, JD. Division of Legal and Enforcement Analysis, Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, 11710 Beltsville Drive, Suite 300, Calverton, MD 20705, 301-755-2761, rramirez@pire.org

This presentation will assess alcohol law enforcement in the United States: its key elements; structure and administration across state jurisdictions, and role in preventing underage drinking, injuries, and violent crime This analysis of alcohol laws and alcohol law enforcement strategies is based on research conducted by the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation in a project funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Research demonstrates that effective enforcement of alcohol control laws is a key element in alcohol policy implementation. Nevertheless, enforcement is generally viewed as a low priority in state governments, and its significance to public health has only recently been realized within the alcohol policy community. The structure, powers, and functions of Alcoholic Beverage Control agencies vary widely across states, and, in many cases, legal barriers hamper effective enforcement practices. The presentation will highlight these research findings and discuss policy changes that could be introduced to increase the effectiveness of alcohol law enforcement. The presentation will also provide recommendations for enhancing collaboration between alcohol law enforcement and community and state alcohol policy organizations.

Learning Objectives:

• Assess the role of state alcohol law enforcement in preventing alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes, problems associated with underage drinking, and violent crime.
• Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of specific state alcohol laws throughout the United States.
• Understand the roles, functions, and needs of state alcohol beverage control agencies, thereby facilitating the establishment of effective collaborative efforts between state and local law enforcement agencies and public health advocacy organizations.

Keywords: Alcohol, Public Policy

Related Web page: www.nllea.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.