Imperial BeachImperial Beach

IPS has been providing alcohol and drug prevention services in Imperial Beach since 2008. With assistance from countywide prevention providers and concerned community members, IPS provided technical assistance to update the Social Host Ordinance (SHO) in Imperial Beach in 2019. Imperial Beach’s Social Host law imposes a misdemeanor or an infraction on individuals who host underage drinking events on property they own, lease or otherwise control. The purpose of the ordinance is to deter underage drinking parties by decreasing social access to alcohol and marijuana by underage youth.

With assistance from the Responsible Hospitality Coalition and concerned community members, IPS provided technical assistance to pass a Responsible Beverage Sales and Service (RBSS) ordinance in Imperial Beach in 2010. RBSS is a training program for servers who sell alcoholic beverages for both on-premise and off-premise consumption. It aims to provide servers the necessary skills to responsibly serve alcoholic beverages and mitigate alcohol-related harm in California communities. RBSS has three essential elements: policy development, merchant education, and partnerships with law enforcement. As of July, 2022, it will be mandatory for all on- sale premise servers to complete a certified RBSS program.  The certifications will be approved by the California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control.

In the late 2000s, Imperial Beach was experiencing a serious alcohol abuse problem. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety’s annual accident data, Imperial Beach was consistently in the top 10 percent of alcohol-related traffic accidents and in the top 15 percent in arrests for DUIs for similar cities of its size. To address this issue, IPS partnered with law enforcement, the Responsible Hospitality Coalition and local business owners to create the Responsible Retailer Program (RRP). Utilizing a grant from the Department of Justice Recovery, the city funds a part-time position filled by retired San Diego County Sheriff’s Deputy to inspect local bars, restaurants, liquor and grocery stores with the purpose of educating and enforcing federal, state, county and local regulations related to the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages within the city limits.

IPS South Bay also participates in the Imperial Beach Community Collaborative (IBCC) which draws together all sectors of the local community to develop coordinated strategies and systems that protect the health, safety and wellness of families and residents. The IBCC meets on the 3rd Friday of every month.