News : ASAC offers help with safe alcohol serving guidelines

The Area Substance Abuse Council, in partnership with the Linn County sheriff’s department and 7G distributing, is currently offering no-cost assessments to area bars and restaurants that serve alcohol. These assessments are a great opportunity to not only assist local businesses with their alcohol policies, but also to survey the community as a whole to see what precautions are already in place, and what areas can be refined to ensure the safest atmosphere possible. Specifically, these assessments will look at policies as it relates to underage drinking, binge drinking, general practice, and tobacco/nicotine rules.

For the business, the assessment can be used to bring attention to areas that may need changing in order to minimize risk. After completing the assessment, managers will be able to more readily identify types of situations that might occur, assess the severity of problems that could arise and what their outcomes would be, as well as determine what preventative measures could be put in place. One completed, businesses will have an opportunity to participate on a Responsible Alcohol Service Committee, which will continue to look at ways to assist bars and restaurants on having the most effective alcohol policies possible. In addition, businesses that perform well with the assessment will receive a certificate and be recognized as having participated in ASAC’s Project Safer Business Evaluation.

Interested businesses may set up an assessment time by calling Lindsey Ungs with the Prevention Department at (319) 472-2443, or by e-mail lungs@asac.us.