Place of Last Drink Programs

Since 1996, IPS has partnered with San Diego County’s Responsible Hospitality Coalition (RHC) to conduct the Place of Last Drink (POLD) survey. Administered to all those who have been convicted of a DUI-related offense, the survey provides insight into the factors associated with drinking and driving, especially those related to retail and social access to alcohol.

Data from the POLD survey has been used to identify businesses that may be chronically over-serving their customers. In San Diego County, any business identified by the survey more than three times in a quarter is regarded as high-risk. Such businesses are visited by an expert from the RHC who provides technical assistance on how to sell or serve alcohol in a way that reduces potential harms. Nearly 500 retailers in the county have received this kind of consultation, which also includes a formal risk assessment to help develop internal policies and practices tailored to their specific business.

Findings from the survey are also shared with public officials, helping them develop stronger DUI prevention policies. This has been especially effective in San Diego County. All 19 municipalities in the county passed ordinances making it illegal to host an underage drinking party. In addition, 12 cities in the county have passed ordinances requiring alcohol retailers to provide staff trainings on responsible beverage sales and service.