Kingston Police and AGCO making the CASE for bar safety

Looking forward to enjoying a drink on your favourite licensed patio or at your favourite local bar this summer? It’s easy to distinguish those bars and restaurants that foster a safe environment through the responsible and legal sale and service of alcohol.  Unfortunately it is equally easy to spot those that break the rules and ultimately compromise not only the safety of their patrons and staff, but also the safety of those in the surrounding community.  

 

One of the actions most supported by both men and women in a recent local survey on alcohol use was that “there should be more enforcement of alcohol laws by police and liquor inspectors in bars and restaurants”.

The Kingston Police regularly work alongside the Alcohol & Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) to inspect and enforce activities in local bars.  This summer they will be doing additional targeted inspections as part of the province wide C.A.S.E. program – a Community Alcohol Safety and Enforcement initiative launched a year ago by the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police and the AGCO.  The purpose of C.A.S.E. is to:

•  Focus on five key areas: (1) serving a minor, (2) intoxication, (3) permitting disorderly behaviour on premise, (4) overcrowding, and (5) after-hours service
•  Promote public safety and enjoyment of all licenced establishments
•  Heighten inspections and enforcement activities by uniformed officers
• Ensure reporting by police of enforcement and relevant information in a timely manner to the AGCO
•  Promote accountability by all license holders to operate in a legal and safe manner 

A big thank you to all bar owners and staff who serve alcohol responsibly, and to all the officers working to enforce alcohol laws in our community.  Together you are helping to create conditions where alcohol is only a part of our good times.