South OC Times

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department has received a $75,000 grant from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to address alcohol-related harm in the community.

The department plans to use the funds to prevent the sale of alcoholic beverages to minors and intoxicated individuals. The grant will also support efforts against illegal solicitation of alcohol and related criminal activities, including the sale and possession of illegal drugs.

“This grant will help us better protect children and young adults and allow us to proactively address crime at problem locations,” said Don Barnes, Orange County Sheriff-Coroner. “Partnering with ABC helps us make our community safer through prevention and enforcement efforts.”

This funding is part of nearly 50 grants awarded across California as part of ABC’s Alcohol Policing Partnership (APP) program. Through this initiative, local law enforcement agencies collaborate with ABC agents who have expertise in alcoholic beverage laws. The partnership aims to reduce alcohol-related harm within communities.

“Our Alcohol Policing Partnership program can improve the quality of life in neighborhoods,” said ABC Director Paul Tupy. “The communities where the grant program’s resources have been invested have seen a real difference.”

Launched in 1995, the APP program was established to strengthen partnerships between ABC and local law enforcement agencies. Its focus is on keeping alcohol away from minors and preventing related harm in communities.