Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control

To protect the public from the dangerous effects of alcohol misuse, the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (Department) regulates the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of liquor. Research shows that active, visible investigative efforts and strong enforcement actions when violations are found help deter liquor law violations. The Department can increase its enforcement presence by notifying licensees of the results of all investigations, including covert investigations, and by conducting targeted follow-up investigations of problem establishments. The Department should also take stronger action against repeat and serious violators by including more violations under its penalty guidelines, addressing how it defines a “repeat violation,” and by ending or revising its policy of discounting penalties by 50 percent for first-time violations.