(Washington, DC) — The Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) has been selected by the National Liquor Law Enforcement Association (NLLEA) to receive the prestigious “2009 Innovative Liquor Law Enforcement Program of the Year” award. The NLLEA’s award for Most Innovative Liquor Law Enforcement Program is given in recognition of effective programs that have produced positive changes to community alcohol-related problems, or programs that have resulted in new efficiencies, or fiscal savings for liquor law enforcement.
The focal point of ABRA’s winning submission with NLLEA was its program initiative for the historic 56th Presidential Inauguration. Specifically, ABRA was recognized for its planning and investigative strategies implemented for the Inauguration period.
Prior to the Inauguration, the Council of the District of Columbia authorized establishments with on-premises retailer’s licenses to sell or serve alcoholic beverages until 4 a.m. and to operate 24 hours a day during the five day period of January 17-21, 2009. A total of 282 licensed establishments registered with ABRA. To address the extended hours, the ABRA Enforcement Division developed a highly effective, five-pronged plan: the assignment of dedicated ABRA
investigators; a proactive investigative strategy; extensive coordination with other enforcement agencies, including the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the US Secret Service; enhanced communication with licensees; and specialized investigator training.
Several of the effective measures implemented by ABRA during the Inauguration period included: (1) implementing a 311 hot line to respond to late-night incidents, (2) working collectively with MPD to map the list of registrants by Patrol Service Area for effective resource allocation, and (3) issuing a separate one-time Inaugural license indicating the approved hours, days, and times for each establishment.
“I applaud ABRA receiving this award and commend the office for all their dedication during the presidential inauguration,” said Mayor Fenty. “Their hard work and commitment was instrumental in the District’s ability to host a safe, productive and enjoyable event for residents and visitors.”
ABRA Director, Fred Moosally stated: “ABRA is appreciative of its hard work being recognized on a national level. The Award is a reflection of how well the District of Columbia, including ABRA, handled and prepared for the Inaugural festivities for this historic event.”
“Congratulations to ABRA for earning this award,” said Councilmember Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) who has oversight of the agency. “The use of this plan during inauguration weekend benefited the city. ABRA’s leadership helped DC take advantage of a boost in tourism while keeping our guests, residents and business owners safe.”
ABC Board Chairperson Peter Feather stated “The ABC Board is proud of the professionalism that ABRA employees have shown in developing the Inaugural program recognized by this Award. This is the type of innovation in process development that marks the continued growth of the Agency.”
This is the first time that ABRA has won an Award since the Agency’s creation in 2001. The Award will be received by ABRA on August 14, 2009 in Dallas, Texas.