Fifteen5 local businesses passed the latest alcohol/tobacco compliance check conducted by the Hamilton County Coalition (HCC), in partnership with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.
The two organizations deploy young adults - aged 18-20 years old - to conduct periodic alcohol compliance checks, and tobacco compliance scans to determine if local retailers are following the state and local laws regarding the sale of alcohol or tobacco products.
The compliance checks provide a line of defense against businesses failing to request identification to verify age, and therefore selling alcohol or tobacco products to underage youth.
“It is so important that retail establishments that sell alcohol and tobacco understand the role they play in keeping our youth safe,” Program Coordinator Calandra Smith said. “This program and the trainings we offer help managers and employees understand their responsibility in selling alcohol and tobacco products, and that they are liable for their actions”.
All businesses below passed the latest round of alcohol/tobacco compliance checks:
- P & J Fuller | 14794 Old Dayton Pike
- Delta Express | 14816 Old Dayton Pike
- Circle K | 11749 Hixson Pike
- Marathon | 10086 Old Dayton Pike
- Circle K | 109 Sequoyah Road
- Circle K | 8600 Hixson Pike
- Smokin Joes | 8723 Hixson Pike
- Pump and Go | 7527 Middle Valley Road
- Circle K | 6917 Middle Valley Road
- Spur Market | 6802 Middle Valley Road
- Eagle Liquor | 6852 Middle Valley Road
- Sunrise Market | 6405 Hixson Pike
- Circle K | 6224 Hixson Pike
- Kangaroo | 4858 Highway 58
- Mapco | 5380 Highway 58
Along with conducting periodic compliance checks, the HCC also provides “Tips” and “Top Shelf” training for on-premises servers. In “Tips” training, employees will learn strategies to ensure responsible alcohol service, promote professionalism and enhance customer service skills. This training is certified through the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Service. This training is available for servers and clerks and is held every 2nd Saturday of the month from 9am-3pm at the HCC office at 5721 Marlin Rd., Building 6100, Suite 3200. Reserve a spot for the training athttps://www.hccoalition.org/tips-training.
In “Top Shelf” training, employees will learn strategies on the best practices for businesses selling alcohol, how to properly ID, handle difficult situations, how to recognize intoxicated customers and the basic state and local alcohol laws. “Top Shelf” training is made by appointment-only. To schedule a training, contact Calandra Smith at 423-486-6599 or call the HCC at 423-305-1499. These projects are funded under a Grant Contract with the State of Tennessee, Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
The Hamilton County Coalition (HCC) is a Regional Coalition Resource focused on empowering communities and reducing the risk of alcohol, tobacco and prescription drug misuse and abuse among youth and adults in Chattanooga and the Southeast Region. As the regional hub, the HCC provides free services such as: medication lock boxes, opioid overdose reversal training, naloxone, assistance with opioid treatment, family counseling and recovery services. The HCC also provides drug and alcohol prevention presentations to youth, young adults and families.