Sheriff David Gee launched S.A.V.E. in June 2006 to partner with alcohol
vendors and retailers and create a proactive collaboration to inform and
educate employees and managers. The goal is to reduce alcohol-related
traffic crashes and death in Hillsborough County.
This innovative program, developed by Deputy Scott M. Sitton, provides
alcohol vendors with a direct link to the Sheriff’s Office to answer
questions, offer guidance on state laws and help train staff. Vendor topics
typically covered by Deputy Sitton include how to monitor and avoid serving
too much alcohol to someone, preventing underage drinking and maintaining a
neighborhood friendly establishment.
From the years 2000 to 2005, Hillsborough County had the dubious distinction
of being the statewide leader in the number of DUI-related traffic deaths.
With the inception of S.A.V.E. and other enforcement efforts, our county has
fared better since 2006: we are now No. 3 in the number of alcohol-related
deaths, but we continue to lead the state in the number of alcohol-related injuries and alcohol-related
crashes.
S.A.V.E. was the showcase at a recent symposium, attended by more than 100
alcohol vendors and representatives from each Anheuser Busch distributor in
Florida. Attendees were updated on what S.A.V.E. can offer their employees
and associates through programs and training on responsible service, as well
as their exposure to liability issues for failure to act responsibly when
serving alcohol to the public.
Many alcohol vendors in Hillsborough County have embraced S.A.V.E., and
invited the Sheriff’s Office to conduct training sessions for employees, and
undercover operations to reveal underage drinkers and counterfeit and fake
forms of identification.
F.A.Q.
Which alcohol vendors may work the the Sheriff’s Office and S.A.V.E.?
Any alcohol vendor may contact the Sheriff’s Office and request to have their alcohol service policy and employee training practices reviewed, along with any other questions they may have.
In addition to this the Sheriff’s Office collects “last drink” information from individuals arrested in Hillsborough County for DUI.
What is a “last drink survey”?
A last drink survey is conducted by all law enforcement officers making an arrest for DUI in Hillsborough County. This is accomplished by asking every offender, “Where were you last drinking?” Their responses, which are voluntary, are then compiled into a database.
What do you do with the information collected by the “last drink survey”?
A list of the “Top 10 ” alcohol vendors attributed to DUI arrests is compiled every month. This “Top 10” list is then used to work with those vendors to reduce the DUI’s connected to their establishments by the arrestees.
What can S.A.V.E. do to help vendors reduce alcohol-related incidents?
In addition to working with the vendor in reviewing their alcohol service policy and employee training practices, Deputy Sitton offers presentations to employees stressing responsible service of alcohol and the consequences of failing to do so. Detection of fake I.D.’s and prevention of access of alcohol by underage teens is also shared with employees.
Does S.A.V.E. do anything about underage drinking?
Yes, S.A.V.E. also works with vendors in preventing underage access to alcohol. Compliance checks of vendors are also regularly conducted in conjunction with the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco.
Is S.A.V.E. doing anything about open house parties?
Yes, S.A.V.E. investigates reports of open house parties and takes appropriate enforcement action when needed. You can report under age open house parties here:
Quick Links
HCSO Programs
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HCSO Phone Numbers
Emergencies:
911
Non-Emergencies:
(813) 247-8200
Crime Stoppers:
(800) 873-8477
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