Risk-Related Business Campaigns (El Cajon DAO)

Enforcement operations in the City of El Cajon targeted problematic alcohol retailers — primarily convenience stores — that were selling high-risk alcohol products to underage youth. Such retailers were prosecuted for violating the city’s Deemed Approved Ordinance, a new law that established a series of performance standards for businesses selling alcohol. After imposing restrictions on several problematic retailers identified by enforcement operations, the City of El Cajon saw significant reductions in public drunkenness (65%) and minors in possession (93%).

The Deemed Approved Ordinance, which the city used in its enforcement campaign, was developed by IPS policy experts. It was designed to target older, or “grandfathered” businesses, which are usually exempt from newer regulations. According to the new law, as long as businesses abided by the city’s performance standards, they could continue to operate as usual. Violations, however, led to stronger regulations, restricting them from selling high-risk products.

To help businesses stay in compliance, the city continues to provide educational sessions on the elements of responsible retailing. A representative from law enforcement also regularly visits merchants at their businesses to answer questions regarding the law.