Alcohol Purchase Surveys

These surveys are similar to compliance checks because the goal is to ensure that local retailers are checking the ID of anyone attempting to purchase alcohol.  The difference is that an alcohol purchase survey (APS) is done with a young looking, legal, 21-year-old buyer to ensure no laws are broken.  No purchase is made; instead, survey notes are taken to determine if local retailers request proper ID and refuse to sell alcohol if no ID is presented.  The project does not need law enforcement involvement, but notifying the local police is a good idea so they are aware of efforts and also informed of results.

APS are used to gain a better understanding of the number of retailers who are potentially selling alcohol to minors.  APS also offer you the opportunity to partner with store owners and managers by conducting surveys to help ensure their employees are abiding by the laws.  Your results help minimize their liability and cost and provide information for training employees.

It is important to continue monitoring the stores in your community by conducting surveys at least twice a year.  Even without fines or citations, communities that conduct alcohol purchase surveys can increase their compliance rates and keep alcohol out of the hands of those under the legal drinking age.

Students

• Identify a young looking 21 year old “decoy” and 2 other volunteers (students, parents, community members) who can drive and collect data from the car. (forms available upon request)
• Obtain a list of retail stores in targeted community by contacting the Liquor Control Board/Alcohol Beverage Control in your state or community.
• Notify police regarding APS as a courtesy.
• Recognize and thank retailers who are enforcing the laws with a certificate or plaque of appreciation.
• Be aware of retail practices in your community and report any stores not complying with the laws.
  

Community Members

• Don’t wait for students to organize.  Take the initiative to find a young looking, 21-year-old “decoy” as well as a second volunteer to help with data collection.  (forms available upon request)
• Volunteer to obtain the list of retail stores to survey and drive.

Important Steps for APS planning

• Once you obtain a list, randomize the stores on the list so you’re not targeting any particular store (go to every other location, or every third location, etc.).
• Data collectors remain in car and fill out data collection sheets.
• Decoy enters alone and attempts to purchase brand name beer (the same brand at every location).
• No ID or cash is carried by the decoy.           
• Determine if clerk is willing to complete the sale without checking proper ID.
• If clerk is willing to sell, tell them you forgot your money and return to car.
• Compile data.
• Send results to stores and congratulate those who did ID and remind those who did not ID of laws.
• Contact media and release results (news release, letter to the editor).
• Follow up with more surveys during the year.