Policy

Our Policy Strategy Team researches current business, community and government practices and policies both in Cobb County and elsewhere to understand, develop and support policies that protect citizens and limit or deter access to substances, particularly by youth. The Team has spearheaded the successful efforts to pass Social Host ordinances in Austell, Kennesaw, Acworth and unincorporated Cobb County and continues to work in other municipalities on policies covering teen parties. The team is also collaborating with law enforcement partners to increase the number of drop off locations for prescription drugs in Cobb County as well as the number of Take-Back Days.

Social Host Ordinance. What is it? Why is it needed? How is it enforced? What are the penalties? Learn more by clicking the links below!

 

Videos
Social Host Ordinance

 

Social Host Ordinance – Making Case Stick

 

What causes more harm for youth, alcohol or illegal drugs?

 

What kind of harm does underage and binge drinking cause youth?

 

How does underage and youth binge drinking impact our community?

 

Where do youth obtain alcohol?

 

Do the majority of youth drink alcohol?

 

What is binge drinking?

 

How would YOU stop underage and youth binge drinking?

 

Who can help stop underage and youth binge drinking?

 

When do most youth drink alcohol?

 

Comm. JoAnn Birrell

 

Dr. Jack Kennedy

 

R.A.S.S. (Responsible Alcohol Sales and Service)

Responsible businesses are valued and supported by the community. Effective business policies, procedures, employee training, and management are keys in helping to reduce underage and youth binge drinking. Effective business policies and practices have proven effective in prohibiting teens from buying alcohol from their business.

Businesses with a pouring license (e.g. restaurants, bars, nightclubs, etc.) require managers, assistant managers, waitresses, waiters, servers, food runners, security personnel, bartenders, bouncers, etc. to have a valid alcohol permit. Cobb County does not distinguish between food servers and alcohol servers. Busboys, cooks, dishwashers, hosts, hostesses, maintenance, and administrative staff are excluded from the permit requirement.

For information about local alcohol sales laws and regulations, contact your local government’s business license office. as well as government websites. For information about Cobb County, click here. Licensees can also check online at www.municode.com (Note: not all localities post their ordinances and regulations here, but many do.)

Limit your business risk and liability and be part of the important work of prevention and education. Develop comprehensive written policies; include a requirement to ID everyone or at a minimum ID anyone under age 40. Business owners who hold an alcohol license should receive training for alcohol licensees and ensure their employees are trained.

  • Licensees can attend a RASS Workshop – click here for registration flyer for 2017 schedule:  i.r.v.
  • For employees, there are numerous vendors who offer training
  • Retailers can help reduce underage drinking