Police don't have the resources to send plainclothes officers into a tavern for hours to be on the lookout for for overserving incidents, said Dennis Delmont, executive director of the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association. Phil Hafvenstein, commander of the Police License Investigation Division. Minneapolis licensing officials are drafting a proposed ordinance that would beef up the penalties against establishments that overserve. As with a similar law already in place in St. Paul, the fines increase with each new offense. After four incidents within two years, the business would lose its license.
Some states take a different approach to the problem.
In Oregon, police who make a drunken driving arrest must question drivers about where they had their last drink. If it was purchased at bar or restaurant, a report goes to the Oregon Liquor Control Commission, and can result in a letter of reprimand sent to the establishment. The agency also sends plainclothes inspectors to the state's 8,000 liquor license holders to watch for overservice. A fourth offense in two years could result in a license revocation. Word has gotten out in the industry.