The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

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March 4, 2013

Responsible alcohol seminar for retailers slated

By Robert Barron, Staff Writer Enid News & Eagle

ENID, Okla. — PreventionWorkz Executive Director Sean Byrne called the response from Enid alcohol retailers to a responsible alcohol service seminar overwhelming.

The class was held Feb. 22 and was sponsored by PreventionWorkz and Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement (ABLE) Commission. It was funded by Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

The class teaches retailers about policies, procedures and techniques to comply with laws about selling liquor and alcohol, Byrne said. Because of the success of the Feb. 22 training, two more classes have been scheduled, one in Enid and one in Kingfisher.

Enid’s training will be 2-4 p.m. March 13, at YWCA Enid. The training in Kingfisher will be 1-4 p.m. March 12 at Kingfisher Public Library.

“A lot of people don’t realize it’s actually illegal for the retailer to serve you, or allow you to remain on their premises, if you’re already intoxicated,” Byrne said.

Part of the training is about giving retailers the tools and support they need to recognize an illegal sale and confidently refuse it, he said. The course also includes information about spotting fake ID’s, signs of intoxication, legal liability and refusing sales.

“We had a tremendous response from retailers to the training,” Byrne said. “We had a packed room with numerous employees from five different alcohol retailers in the community.”

Participating were Wild Child’s, Napoli’s, Crappy’s Warehouse, Sundance Wine and Spirits, and Ramada Inn. He said the response indicates care and concern among the majority of local alcohol retailers have toward not selling to youths.

Space is limited for the next class, so those interested are encouraged to contact Meri Spurlock at (580) 234-1046 or by email at meri.spurlock@preventionworkz.org.

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