Keeping it Safe Program

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2010

The Keeping it Safe Campaign is a comprehensive educational program, outreaching to both the hospitality industry and the community. A model for the state of Maryland, this umbrella campaign comprises numerous awareness programs and tools. Stemming from a need for alcohol establishments to better understand alcohol laws and regulations, a push for hospitality business resources was recognized as a public health initiative. Without available funding, the department’s Outreach Office sought out, acquired funding for and coordinated the Keeping it Safe campaign with an aim to keep Montgomery County alcohol-licensed businesses on track and focused on responsible service. Tools include trainings, ID checking calendars, point of sale signage and educational bulletins. The initiative also utilized SAFEnet, a monthly electronic update on current teen alcohol prevention information currently distributed to SADD coordinators, all PTAs and numerous county parents. Additionally, a social host responsibility campaign in English and Spanish is used countywide. Media advocacy is carried out throughout the year on public safety topics surrounding alcohol. All resources under the Keeping it Safe Program are grant funded and offered free of cost.