ABC Community Advisory Council Meeting Minutes

North Region - Alexandria

ABC Alexandria Regional Office
6308 Grovedale Drive
Alexandria, VA 22310

Wednesday, May 13, 2009
1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Those in attendance include:

Francis J. Monahan, Director
Philip G. Disharoon, Special Agent in Charge, Alexandria Regional Office
Barbara A. Storm, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Alexandria Regional Office
Robert S. Kehoe, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Alexandria Regional Office
Norman Lodato, ABC Regional Manager
Cheryl Kilday, Loudoun Convention and Visitors Association
Heidi Carlstedt, South Riding Proprietary (Community Association)
Heather Martinsen-Hill, Prince William County Community Services (Youth Group)
Noraine Butter, State Mental Health and Human Services
William Williams, Fairfax County Alcohol and Drug Services (State/Co Mental Health)
Gary Roberson, Health Communications, Inc. (Tips)
Jennifer Cipolla Hamilton, MADD (State Chapter)
Dr. James Thorne, Bluemont Civic Association

After Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Disharoon offered the welcoming message, Director Monahan addressed the Council. Matters reviewed by the Director included: (1) the proof/gallon ratio pilot program; (2) a budget update; (3) revenue forecasts; (4) regional realignments; and (5) the promotional process.

Before departing, Director Monahan engaged the Council in a discussion regarding the use of the preliminary breath test (PBT) for establishing probable cause in an alcohol-related arrest. Most members of the Council verbalized support for use of the PBT as a law enforcement tool.

SAC Disharoon opened discussion about the Bureau's posting and publishing notice. It was the majority opinion of the Council that those persons who are living in the neighborhood and are interested in the retail growth of the area will make it a point to identify the establishments that intend to sell or serve alcoholic beverages, even if not posted.

SAC Disharoon discussed recent cases involving mixed beverage stamp fraud. Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC) Barbara Storm announced the initial decision in a recent Fedex Ground (Common Carrier) disciplinary hearing. ASAC Robert S. Kehoe reviewed recent legislative changes.

SAC Disharoon briefly touched on a movement by some colleges and universities, known as the Amethyst Initiative, to change the legal drinking age. It was the overwhelming opinion of the Council that the purpose of the Amethyst Initiative is to relieve the higher learning institutions from responsibility for the behavior of their students. There was no support for the Amethyst Initiative by any member of the Council.

SAC Disharoon concluded the meeting, and a date for the next meeting was discussed. The meet was adjourned.