On Tuesday, February 20, more than a hundred people showed up to Columbia’s City Hall to debate the proposed 2 a.m. bar curfew. While controversial, the debate demonstrated that Columbia has a passionate community that cares about the city, Five Points, the surrounding colleges, and the individuals who reside in and frequent them.
Here are some things that we want you to know:
- Ongoing and consistent education has been proven to reduce underage drinking, over-consumption and over-serving. LRADAC’s Community Services Department works with schools and colleges in Lexington and Richland Counties to prevent substance abuse and its impact. Prevention initiatives include 1) The ePRESS (Prevention Resources Everyone Should See) digital newsletter, 2) PREP (SC Palmetto Retailers Education Program), 3) involvement with community coalitions, and 4) AET (Alcohol Enforcement Team).
- LRADAC supports all prevention efforts including education, enforcement, and evidenced-based environmental strategies.
- We support local business and entertainment in our community. LRADAC has proudly served many establishments with PREP. This three-hour course works to reduce underage access to alcohol and tobacco and prevent over-serving patrons. We encourage and welcome all establishments who have not completed PREP, or new employees of PREP certified businesses, to participate. LRADAC staff can train establishments onsite. For more information about PREP, click here.
- Shortened services times have shown effective in reducing alcohol-related harm. Increases in alcohol availability lead to corresponding increases in alcohol consumption, resulting in greater alcohol-related problems such as drunk driving, alcohol-related violence, sexual assaults, and other disturbances.
Regardless of hours of operation, effective prevention and business practices will reduce negative consequences and limit business liabilities.
