Use of underage compliance checks among state and local law enforcement agencies in U.S

Although several studies have found that compliance checks at alcohol establishments are effective in reducing the likelihood of underage alcohol sales, less is known about the extent to which law enforcement agencies are conducting compliance checks. We conducted a survey of state alcohol beverage control (ABC) and local law enforcement agencies across the U.S. We randomly sampled 1,632 local agencies, stratifying based on size of state and agency, with a response rate of 66.3% (1,082/1632). We surveyed a census of state ABCs (n=58). We assessed whether the agency conducted compliance checks at alcohol establishments in the past year, and if so, other aspects of the implementation process. We found that 39% of local agencies (n=422) and 79% of ABCs (n=42) conducted compliance checks. Among agencies who conducted checks, approximately 60% conducted checks at all establishments in their jurisdiction, one-fifth conducted checks at least 3-4 times per year, and one-third conducted a follow-up check within three months if an establishment failed a check; however, only 5-6% of agencies reported doing all three of these recommended actions. Larger agencies (>15 officers) and local agencies in jurisdictions with >50K residents (vs. < 50K) were more likely to conduct checks. We conclude that a broader adoption of compliance checks, particularly among small local enforcement agencies, may reduce sales to underage persons, and nearly all agencies conducting compliance checks could improve at least some aspect of the implementation process.