Thank you for working to keep alcohol & tobacco from minors!

The Ottawa County Department of Public Health, Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, Grand Haven Police Department, Holland Police Department and members of the ROADD Coalition recruit and train underage youth to go into establishments that sell alcohol and/or tobacco to attempt to make a purchase.

These compliance checks, partially funded by the Lakeshore Regional Partners, are an ongoing effort in Ottawa County to prevent the sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. They help law enforcement and partnering agencies identify areas within the county that may need additional support, education and monitoring. The checks also serve as a tool for establishments to identify needs for additional staff training.

Sixty-six compliance checks were conducted countywide, during the last round. Twenty of the 29 checks in Holland passed and 35 of the 37 checks in Grand Haven passed. The locations that did not pass the alcohol check received a fine, and so did the staff member(s) who sold the alcohol. In addition, the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) was also notified of the alcohol sale. For the locations that did not pass the tobacco check, the clerk was fined and the MLCC was notified if the establishment also sells alcohol.

“Our goal is to support establishments in their effort to responsibly sell alcohol and tobacco. We value these partnerships and they are critical to keep alcohol and tobacco out of the hands of minors,” said Health Promotions Supervisor Rebecca Young with the Ottawa County Department of Public Health.