ABC Advocates for a Safe and Responsible Independence Day

Sacramento – The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) encourages the public to celebrate the Fourth of July responsibly by designating a sober driver for celebrations involving alcohol. Licensees can help keep the public safe by checking IDs and not serving obviously intoxicated patrons.

“If you choose to celebrate with alcohol, make sure to designate a sober driver or arrange a ride with an app or taxi service,” said ABC Director Eric Hirata. “We can all do our part to keep communities safe by preventing drinking and driving.”

ABC suggests licensees offer nonalcoholic drinks for designated sober drivers and monitor who is drinking alcohol. If you see people leaving who have been drinking alcohol, check on how they are getting home and offer alternate transportation if needed.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) will deploy extra patrol officers over the holiday weekend as part of a Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) that begins at 6:01 p.m. on Friday, June 30, through 11:39 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4. There were 44 people killed in crashes on California’s roadways during the 2022 Independence Day MEP, and CHP made 998 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

In addition to speeding violations, officers will be on the lookout for distracted drivers and motorists suspected of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The average cost of a first-time DUI arrest is approximately $13,500, accounting for vehicle impound fees, fines, attorney fees, auto insurance hikes and other penalties.

Contact

Additional information may be obtained by contacting:

Public Information Office
3927 Lennane Drive, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95834
Email: pio@abc.ca.gov
Phone: (916) 419-2525

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