Officers from the Turlock Police Department, in support of the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), visited seven ABC licensed businesses on Monday, conducting IMPACT inspections designed to address violations before problems occur.

Officers noted at least one administrative violation at each establishment. A follow-up inspection will be conducted at a later date, giving business owners the opportunity to correct the violation(s). 

IMPACT (Informed Merchants Preventing Alcohol-Related Crime Tendencies) is a cooperative program between ABC, local law enforcement agencies and licensees. The program is designed to increase safety in the community by pointing out violations at licensed locations that lead to loitering, public intoxication, and underage drinking.

“We are calling on businesses to help prevent problems in our community and reduce tragedies on roadways by properly checking identifications and refusing to serve individuals who are obviously intoxicated,” said Police Chief Jason Hedden.

"IMPACT's goal is to work with licensees to reduce alcohol related crime," said ABC Director Eric Hirata. "Addressing problems such as litter, graffiti, and loitering increase public safety and improve the quality of life in and around the licensed premises."

The IMPACT program reminds licensees of the responsibilities and accountability associated with selling alcoholic beverages by identifying areas of non-compliance and providing crime prevention information before conducting follow-up visits to see if the licensee corrected the issues. Many local communities have worked with ABC to conduct business inspections. IMPACT can improve the relationship between law enforcement and merchants.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from ABC through the department’s Alcohol Policing Partnership (APP) program.