Responsible Retailer Program (Imperial Beach)

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.