The St. Mary's County Alcohol Beverage Board recently discussed the approval of a $4,000 grant aimed at reducing impaired driving and underage drinking through educational programs for alcohol license establishments. This initiative is set to launch its first training program in November, although it may be postponed to December due to scheduling delays.

The program's primary goal is to enhance awareness among local businesses about their role in promoting responsible alcohol service. By providing resources and training, the board hopes to equip establishments with the knowledge needed to combat these serious community issues effectively.

In addition to the grant discussion, the board acknowledged the commendable efforts of Deputy Stone, who has been actively engaging with local establishments like Old Town Pub. His work includes training staff on identifying fake identification and ensuring responsible service practices, which has been well-received by the community.

As the board prepares to submit the grant approval to the county commissioners, they remain focused on fostering a safer environment for residents, particularly as the holiday season approaches. The outcomes of these initiatives will be closely monitored, with updates expected in future meetings.