Contact: Sergeant Joe Ketchem, 217-403-6981, [email protected]
In March 2015, the Campus Community Alcohol Task Force Coalition conducted a series of liquor compliance checks throughout the City of Champaign. These monthly checks, funded by the Strategic Prevention Framework grant through the Illinois Department of Human Services, aims to address underage alcohol access and decrease medical and alcohol overconsumption issues. As part of community education and advisory, Champaign Police share the following results of the compliance checks conducted during the month of March.
Of the 41 compliance checks conducted, 5 businesses sold alcohol to covert minors. Those businesses were: Memphis on Main; Piccadilly (601 S. First St. location); Neil Street Food and Liquor; Western Bowl; and Chipotle (903 W. Anthony location). In each of these cases the server was issued a City of Champaign NTA (Notice to Appear) for Alcohol Sales to a Minor, and the violation was reported to the Deputy Liquor Commissioner.
One (1) bar check detail was conducted in conjunction with “Unofficial” St. Patrick’s Day. Minors were cited for several violations:
At High Dive Bar: (6) NTA’s were issued for a Minor in Possession of Alcohol; (1) NTA issued for Unlawful Use of Identification; (1) NTA issued for Possession of Cannabis. Four (4) subjects in the immediate area of High Dive were also cited for Public Urination. Based upon the number of occupants inside the establishment, the Champaign Fire Department was contacted to perform an occupancy check and the bar was also found to be approximately 200 persons over allowable occupancy.
Three (3) party dispersal details were conducted on and around campus in conjunction with “Unofficial” St. Patrick’s Day. The following violations were cited: (19) NTA’s for Minor in Possession of Alcohol; (3) NTA’s for Delivery of Alcohol to a Minor/Adult Responsibility; (2) NTA’s for Unlawful Use of Identification.
Two (2) “Training for Intervention Procedures” (TIPS) classes were conducted by the Champaign Police Department. TIPS provides server and security training for alcohol-serving venues. The City of Champaign continues to offer these classes free of charge and encourages businesses to send their employees to this training. More information and registration for a TIPS class can be found on the City of Champaign website: https://champaignil.gov/departments/police/professional-standards
The Strategic Prevention Framework grant was obtained in partnership with Community Elements of Champaign. Compliance checks were conducted by the Champaign Police Department with assistance from the Urbana Police Department and Parkland College Police Department.