SACRAMENTO–California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agents will be working this holiday weekend, visiting restaurants and bars to ensure public safety.

“It’s routine for ABC agents to give up holiday weekends with their family and friends in order to have a presence in venues where alcohol is sold.  This is a weekend of celebrations and it’s important that we prevent underage drinking as well as excessive drinking to keep everyone safe,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.  “We want people to enjoy the holiday weekend in a safe and fun fashion.”

ABC agents will look in on licensees and their employees to ensure they are checking identifications to prevent underage drinking. Agents will also monitor these locations to ensure that patrons are not being over served.

“Celebrate our nation’s independence responsibly. You can do your part by having a plan that includes a sober designated driver before you celebrate,” said ABC Director Eric Hirata. “ABC agents will be out this holiday weekend to increase public safety by enforcing alcoholic beverage laws to help keep the streets, roads and highways safe.”

ABC encourages those hosting Independence Day celebrations to offer nonalcoholic drinks for designated sober drivers and monitor who is drinking.

According to ABC, the average cost of a DUI arrest is approximately $13,500, accounting for vehicle impound fees, fines, attorney fees, auto insurance hikes and other penalties.