ABC agents crack down for Fourth of July

The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) announced agents will visit restaurants and bars on the Fourth of July weekend to ensure public safety.

Agents will look in on licensees and their employees to ensure they are checking identifications to prevent underage drinking. Agents will also monitor these locations to ensure that patrons are not being over served.

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), last year (2020), 36 people were killed in collisions statewide and CHP officers made 589 arrests for driving under the influence during the Fourth of July Maximum Enforcement Period that started on Wednesday July 3 and ran through Sunday night, July 7.

People celebrating Independence Day and hosting others, are encouraged to offer nonalcoholic drinks for designated sober drivers and monitor who is drinking.

The average cost of a DUI arrest is approximately $13,500, accounting for vehicle impound fees, fines, attorney fees, auto insurance hikes and other penalties.