New training on Standardized Field Sobriety Training for airmen is conducted in Great Falls to try and reduce DUIs.

By STACY BYRNE
Tribune Staff Writer

YouTube fanatics it's your time to shine.

A sweet prize awaits the person who shoots the best video based on a local coalition's campaign to raise awareness about drunken driving and curb underage drinking.

Military folks can win a ride in an F-16. If a civilian wins, he or she will become director for a day when a professional production company turns the winning video into a commercial that will air locally and in other parts of the country.
All you have to do is shoot and submit a video centering on "0013" — zero drinks, zero DUIs, one drink per hour, three drinks max — to www.usa0013.com. The contest deadline is May 31.

"All we're asking for is a two- to three-minute video that addresses 0013 in one form or another," said Lt. Bryan Lockerby, who's part of the Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws-Malmstrom Air Force Base Coalition.

Other video rules include no nudity, no mutilations and no boring submissions.

So far the Web site boasts one contest video featuring Lockerby and his high school freshman son, Karch. The clip comically drills in the 0013 message with a doughnut-loving cop and a nerdy kid acting superfly.

Lockerby said the coalition hopes the contest will attract people to the new Web site, www.usa0013.com, launched last summer. The idea behind the site is to take a more subtle approach to educating people.

"You can't force information," he said. "I'm sure people are tired of all the preaching on the alcohol subject."

Along with the contest, the video game-looking site offers event listings, links to interesting Web sites and videos, and an anonymous self-assessment quiz that provides personalized feedback on people's alcohol use.

"It's to create more of a buzz and not enforce education but let it happen on its own," he said.

The 0013 Web site was launched using grant money from the United States Department of Justice, which awarded $950,000 each tofour installations around the country, including the Great Falls coalition, said Officer Steve Pretat. The grant money was provided for use on or near an airforce base to reduce underage drinking, DUI and alcohol-related misconducts by military personnel.

"The nice thing about the grant is it's very open-ended," Lockerby said. "It goes toward training, equipment and education. It pays for overtime for officers to do alcohol compliance checks and video equipment to record DUIs."

Lockerby said the 0013 Web site traffic increases daily; local DUI and minor in possession of alcohol tickets both are down 35 percent from one year ago; and Malmstrom's alcohol-related incidents are down almost equally, if not more.

"Something is working," Lockerby said. "But it's too early to pat ourselves on the back."

Reach Tribune Staff Writer Stacy Byrne at 791-1490, 800-438-6600 or at sbyrne@greatfallstribune.com.

By Valerie Mullett
341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office


It has been more than a year since federal officials announced that Malmstrom would be one of five test bases, along with their surrounding host communities, to receive grant money to help address and combat underage drinking.
Since the $350,000 was presented to law enforcement officials in mid-October 2006, many strides have been taken to put that money to good use.
“We had to supply a plan on how the money would be used when we first applied for the grant,” said Michael Ward, Chief of Security Forces Administration here.
In keeping with that plan, equipment was purchased, training was given and special events for Airmen were funded. But before all that could happen, the Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws committee, a group of individuals from Malmstrom and the Great Falls community, was formed.
The EUDL meets monthly to make recommendations for implementing the use of the grant money and share success stories from events sponsored by the funds. At the EUDL meeting in September, a significant milestone was unveiled – www.USA0013.com.
“Before we even set out on the journey to create this site, we did a lot of research at the base,” said Pat Doyle, creative director for Banik Communications in Great Falls. “We asked the Airmen a lot of questions about what they liked, disliked, where they spent most of their time on the Internet and questions in general.”
From their answers, the creative team came up with some ideas and began their Web site-making quest.
“One of the things that was a constant with every Airmen we talked to is their pride in being in the military,” Mr. Doyle said. “It was very apparent, even to me being non-military.”
The team decided to capitalize on that “hook” and came up with the slogan “Live by a Higher Code,” which is incorporated throughout the Web site as well as on other advertising venues they’ve designed.
“Everyone knows what 0-0-1-3 stands for,” said Steve Pre’tat, EUDL community coordinator. “Nowhere on this Web site will anyone find that standard message of ‘don’t drink and drive.’ It is just not there.”
Instead, the creative team used the latest trends out there to develop a fun place to become more educated on the harmful effects of drinking and to offer alternatives for social activities.
“We are in our infancy right now and we want to grow this Web site to be what the Airman want it to be,” Officer Pre’tat said. “There’s a link to blog on the site and I encourage everyone to give me feedback. I want to interact with users directly and hear their ideas for improvement and for programs they would like to see.”
The lecturing format has been eliminated but the purpose of the site still remains – to be an educational tool to help Airman make responsible choices.
“A critical element of drinking that most people are not aware of is that in one night of heavy drinking, they lose 14 days of gym time,” said Kelley Suggs, health education program manager and EUDL committee member. “It takes the body that long to recover…and heavy drinking is anything more than one drink per hour, three drinks per sitting.”
For anyone questioning their consumption, the Web site offers a unique facet, the E-Chug test, to gauge an individual’s drinking habits.
“This is not new. It has been used at college campuses – including the Air Force Academy – for quite some time,” Officer Pre’tat said. “But it is truthful. Answer the questions and it will provide you with feedback on where you fit in in the community compared to others, as far as your alcohol consumption.”
On a lighter note, there will also be regular competitions through the site. Right now there is one for the amateur film makers in the audience, called “Be 1, Make 1, Mach 1.” The winner will have the choice of a ride in an F-16 (if military) or the opportunity to produce their own video with a professional production company. Complete details can be found on the site.
The grant money, $300,000 for each of the next two years, to continue supporting these efforts has already been earmarked. Some of it will continue to fund training, equipment purchases and required items. But not all of it has been allocated.
Funding for special programs and events for the upcoming year has not been determined.
“I need help spending that money,” Officer Pre’tat said. “Use the Web site, get your friends involved – get everyone you know involved. It isn’t limited to people in the Air Force or people in Great Falls. E-mail them from the site and let them try it for themselves. And let me know what you want to do.”
He said he cannot give away money or gifts, but he can pay for group trips or bring in guest speakers or any number of things people want to do for recreation or social interaction.
Other links on the site include a tab with resources to seek help, a calendar of upcoming events in the local area, an area for hot topics and a link to photo coverage from local events.
“Our intent is not to lecture anyone,” Officer Pre’tat said. “Our intent is for this to be an alternative activity site. I just want folks to relax and to let me know what it is they want to do.”

Editor’s Note: In order to access the Web site, users must have Internet Explorer version 7.0. It is a free upgrade downloadable to personal computers. The base library also has computers with the upgrade installed. The user ID for the Web site is 0013.

By Valerie Mullett
341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office

Two teams from Malmstrom Air Force Base along with one team each from Nellis AFB, Nev., and Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, spent the weekend, Sept. 28 to 30, pounding the hardwood courts during the inaugural Fall Classic Basketball Tournament here.
“I wanted to put together an event where the base basketball team could play in front of the home crowd,” said Aharon Goins, forward for the Malmstrom “A” team and event organizer. “I also wanted to provide the rest of Team Malmstrom the chance to come out and support their fellow co-workers and friends.”
Malmstrom “A” and Malmstrom “B” went head-to-head in the kick off game Friday night while the other two teams were traveling to get here.
It was a pretty evenly matched competition with the “A” squad coming out on top, 68-60, led by Goins with 18 points. Forward Marcus Peters topped all scorers on the “B” squad with 16.
Saturday morning featured a children’s clinic where players spent some time teaching the younger hoop fans the tricks of their trade.
Action got underway at 1 p.m. when Malmstrom “A” took on the Gunfighters from Mountain Home. Guard Leon Grier stole the show, knocking down five from 3-point range to contribute to his game-high 21 points and push the “A” squad to victory, 68-47.
Immediately following, Nellis and the Malmstrom “B” squad took the floor in what proved to be a defensive battle. Using all their team fouls in the first half and five in the second half, the “B” squad did their best to stave off the visitors. In the end, Nellis pulled away for a 53-42 win.
Without taking a breather, the “B” squad then faced Mountain Home for another defensive contest. But four 3-pointers by the Gunfighters in the first half added to their 9-point cushion at halftime when they led 34-25. Coming back after the break, the “B” squad got aggressive, outscoring their opponents 27-25. It wasn’t enough to make up the 9-point margin and the Gunfighters took the game 59-52.
Next up was the “A” squad against Nellis in what would later prove to be the championship game pairing. Grier was again hot from 3-point land nailing five treys that contributed to his 20 points. Goins and guard Rafael Spears each scored 11 but Nellis proved to be too much, handing the “A” squad their first loss, 67-60.
This time it was Nellis who played back-to-back games as they were pitted against the Gunfighters in a 7 p.m. showdown which was also evenly matched. Nellis took the 62-57 win.
At the end of the first two days of round-robin competition, Nellis remained the only unbeaten squad heading in to Sunday’s final rounds.
First up in an early morning meeting at 8:30 a.m., Nellis and the Malmstrom “B” squad prepared to do battle. The squad that traveled the furthest was rested and ready to play as all 10 players contributed buckets, with half of the team scoring in double digits. Nellis took control of the first playoff game, handing the “B” squad a 105-58 thrashing and sending them to the stands in the single-elimination championship round.
The Malmstrom “A” team took to the floor next to do virtually the same thing to the Gunfighters. Spears was a one-man show for the “A” squad racking up an impressive 34 points for the game. Grier netted another 25 and Goins was close behind with 23. The “A” squad was moving on to the finals with a 103-76 victory.
In a classic, hard-fought championship game, with the winner taking home the trophy and the bragging rights, Nellis and the “A” squad squared off. Stepping it up right from the start, 3-point land saw a lot of action from the Malmstrom players as Grier and Spears each knocked down a pair and teammates Jamie Poston, Ralphael Bell and Charles Flanagain each contributed one. At the halftime break, Malmstrom was ahead 48-37.
Not to be outdone, Nellis players decided to try their luck with the treys and found the net four times while the “A” squad opted to play it safe. In the end, their strategy worked as they held on for an 89-83 victory, earning them the title. Spears led all scorers with 22 and Goins pitched in another solid performance with 20.
“The tournament was good and the competition was tough,” sad James Wright, coach of the Nellis team. “I would have liked to compete against a few more teams, but this was a good tournament.”
According to Goins, more teams had originally planned to attend the event, but had to cancel for a variety of reasons.
In all, he thinks the tournament was a success and he hopes to have more in the future.
“You always want more, but I was pretty much satisfied,” Goins said afterward. “I do feel the event was a success not only because we got to showcase our basketball talents, but we got to spread the word about the good things that can be done with the support of the Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws committee. They provided us with the funds to pay for our referees.”
The event was also sponsored, in part, by the African-American Heritage Association.

By RICHARD PETERSON
Tribune Staff Writer

The number of DUI and minor in possession of alcohol cases in Great Falls and on Malmstrom Air Force Base has declined in the past 12 months, but a local coalition working to curb those numbers is cautious about the reasoning behind the trend.

The Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws-Malmstrom Air Force Base Coalition held its monthly meeting Thursday, during which local military and civic officials were briefed on the group's first year of operation. The coalition was formed between Malmstrom and the city last year, and helped by a three-year $1 million federal grant, which is managed by the Great Falls Police Department.

The new statistics are a great start for the three-year project, officials said.

"We can't pin it on anything," 1st Lt. Justin Brockhoff said of the decline in DUI and MIP cases among local youth. "However, raising awareness is the first step to making change."

The number of DUI arrests within Great Falls' city limits dropped 27 percent — from 474 to 348 — between October 2006 and September 2007. During the same period, which coincides with the coalition's first year, MIP arrests declined by 23 percent, according to coalition officials.

On Malmstrom Air Force Base, DUI arrests dropped from 29 to 15 and MIP arrests decreased from 31 to 13 during the same period, the report states.

The coalition has advertised on the Internet, on television, in the newspaper and through billboards, banners and special events in town.

The campaign is aimed at 18- to 24-year-olds in Great Falls and on the base. Malmstrom has a larger population of airmen in that age group than most other bases, noted Great Falls Police Officer Steve Pre'tat.

He noted that the coalition takes a different approach, rather than telling teens not to drink and drive.

Instead, the project offers a plethora of nonalcoholic activities in the area, ranging from whitewater rafting trips to teen dances, he said. Information about what activities are available can be found on a newly launched Web site, www.USA0013.com.

When the site asks for a password, users should enter 0013.

"It gives people different options of things to do, rather than driving down 10th Avenue South, getting drunk," Pre'tat said.

Four cities in California, Arizona and Hawaii — all with military bases nearby — have launched similar coalitions this fall and will learn from Great Falls' efforts, Brockhoff said.

"The other communities can apply the lessons we've already learned," he said.


Reach Tribune Staff Writer Richard Peterson at 791-6547, 800-438-6600 or rpeterson@greatfallstribune.com.

Cascade County officials trying to curb drunk driving

Reporting from KRTV in Great Falls

A new anti-drinking and driving campaign featuring public service announcements has been running on Bresnan Communications for three months focusing on 0013. The numbers stand for zero drinks if you're driving, zero drinks if you're under 21, one drink per hour and three drinks total in a sitting.

Those behind the ads say they're not trying to ban drinking but rather they're trying to encourage people to drink responsibly.

The PSAs are a collaboration of the police, Cascade County Sheriff's Office, Montana Air National Guard, Malmstrom Air Force Base and Cascade County's DUI Task Force. The groups are also hoping to get the community involved in their efforts by launching a web site which will feature photo contests, blogs and videos.

Local businesses fail alcohol check
By Tribune Staff

Great Falls Police said 13 local businesses sold alcohol to underage buyers during a compliance check Wednesday afternoon and evening.

About 60 businesses that sell alcohol were checked by police, who were helped in the undercover operation by underage buyers from Malmstrom Air Force Base, the department said.


Six teams of two officers and one or two buyers fanned out across the city in a check to ensure the businesses are asking for identification to confirm patrons are of the legal buying age of 21, police said. The buyers entered each store and attempted to purchase booze with their valid, unaltered driver's licenses, police said.

When the buyers were asked to present their IDs, they did so, police added.
When asked by the bartenders or cashiers if they were 21, the buyers were to respond with, "what does my ID say?" according to police. There was no attempt to deceive them, authorities said.

After each transaction, the plain-clothed officers would immediately contact the clerk or bartender and advise them of the operation. The 13 businesses that did not comply with state law and sold alcohol to the underage buyers were cited for unlawful sales to an underage person, a misdemeanor. Nine of the 13 businesses that failed checked the buyers' licenses, but still sold alcoholic beverages, police said.

Among the businesses that failed to comply with the check:


Flying J Travel Plaza, 3715 31st St. S.W.

Holiday Station, 601 Northwest Bypass

Kernagans Pik N Pump, 1501 8th Ave. N.

Kum & Go, 625 1st Ave. N.

Nickel Nats, 1425 8th Ave. N.

Spoons, 1400 10th Ave. N

New Peking, 1525 3rd St. N.W.

Taco Treat, 1700 3rd St. N.W.

Lucky Charm Casino, 4810 2nd Ave. N.

On Your Way, 3601 10th Ave. S.

Fuddruckers, 3315 10th Ave. S.

Noons, 3200 10th Ave. S.

Westside VFW, 601 3rd Ave. N.W.
Following is a list of alcohol-serving establishments that complied with state law and refused to sell alcohol to underage buyers during a Wednesday compliance check:


Classic 50's Casino, 1802 14th St. S.W.

Barrel O' Bucks, 527 Central Ave. W.

Emerald Greens, 1100 American Ave.

Albertson's Fuel Center, 1428 3rd St. N.W.

Heidelberg Bar, 27 Division Rd.

It'll Do Bar, 1807 3rd St. N.W.

Kmart, 1000 3rd St. N.W.

Eagle Falls Golf Course, 1025 25th St. N.

Dante's, 1325 8th Ave. N.

Loaf N' Jug, 900 1st Ave. N.

Iron Pine Lounge, 220 Central Ave.

Steinhouse, 711 1st Ave. N.

Loaf N' Jug, 601 Smelter Ave. N.E.

Lucky Lil's Casino, 501 Northwest Bypass

River City Casino, 402 Smelter Ave. N.E.

Ryan's Station, 621 6th St. S.W.

Sam's Club, 401 Northwest Bypass

Silver City Casino, 901 Smelter Ave. N.E.

Smith's Food and Drug, 1601 Marketplace Dr.

Tony Roma's Restaurant, 1400 Marketplace Dr.

Howard's Pizza, 4300 3rd Ave. S.

Maple Garden, 5401 9th Ave. S.

Perez Food Basket, 2700 2nd Ave. N.

Playground/Loading Zone, 2400 10th Ave. S.

Primetime Casino, 3800 10th Ave. S.

R & R Casino, 3801 10th Ave. S.

Town Pump, 1400 10th Ave. S.

La Pastada, 1701 9th Ave. S.

Lucky Duck, 1915 10th Ave. S.

Player's Casino, 2126 10th Ave. S.

Reno's Casino, 2510 10th Ave. S.

Schulte's, 3800 3rd Ave. S.

Shamrock Casino, 2510 10th Ave. S.

Sinclair Station, 620 57th St. S.

The Sting, 1826 10th Ave. S.

The Flamingo, 3028 10th Ave. S.

Poppy's, 606 15th St. S.

Pin N Cue, 1800 3rd St. N.W.

Wal-Mart, 701 Smelter Ave. N.E.

Vintage Sellers, 105 Smelter Ave. N.E.

Town Pump, 401 10th Ave. S.

Prospector Casino, 616 10th Ave. S.

The Other Place, 1200 9th St. S.

TJ's Lounge, 1308 10th Ave. S.

The Brick Casino, 2401 12th Ave. S.

As an eleven year veteran of the Great Falls Police Department and a retired Air Force member, I have been tasked with the daunting task of trying to reduce alcohol related crime in the city and at Malmstrom Air Force Base. I have found this to be an up hill battle to say the least. From trying to speak to the airmen out on base to working with the students at the high schools, I find the same response day in and day out. “Cops should go after the real criminals” or “Don’t you have better things to do then screw with us?” The answer is the same either way you look at it, we are doing what you pay us to do…enforce the laws of the State of Montana…equally.

No one would challenge the idea that alcohol isn’t a contributing factor to crime. And before you go thinking I am a prohibitionist or believe that people should not drink, you could not be more wrong. It’s the abuse of alcohol that gets our attention and not that we’re looking, it’s just obvious. Last year, we wrote over 720 minor in possession of alcohol tickets and those are just the ones we are catching. The actual number is probably significantly higher. Some were caught driving, some at house parties, some running from house parties and a few at the bars. We can no longer turn a blind eye to underage drinking and house parties, because of lessons-learned in the past with devastating consequences.

The local bars and taverns have been wonderful to work with in regards to checking ID’s and watching for minors. Plain clothes officers spend countless hours doing bar walk through’s in the community looking for underage drinkers and fake IDs used to purchase alcohol, if found, they are arrested on the spot and removed from the business. The days of pouring out the alcohol and letting the offender leave have passed. In addition, our bars and taverns are protecting $500,000.00 liquor licenses and do not want or appreciate the underage drinker jeopardizing their lively hood.

It’s the same old rhetoric, but just told a different way. However, over the next few years, you’re going to see some changes. Not based on our zero-tolerance level of enforcement, but in the way we plan on working with you, not against you, in dealing with alcohol related issues and the lack of “not having enough to do around here”. There will be some pretty tremendous opportunities soon so be sure to check this paper frequently and to the kick-off of a program this Summer that’s sure to knock your socks off. In the meantime, reflect on what it took to get to where you are. Think about the days of Basic Training, the sacrifices you made, the Tech Schools you’ve been to, and the career path you’re laying out ahead of you. Consider pride and honor when you put on that uniform, but remember that when your day is over and the uniform has come off, the expectation is that you must still….”Live by a higher code.”

Master Patrol Officer
Steve Pre’tat
Great Falls Police Department

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, March 6, 2007

Contact: HHS Press Office
(202) 690-6343

In its first Call to Action against underage drinking, the U.S. Surgeon General's Office appealed today to Americans to do more to stop America's 11 million current underage drinkers from using alcohol, and to keep other young people from starting.

Acting Surgeon General Kenneth Moritsugu, M.D., M.P.H., laid out recommendations for government and school officials, parents, other adults and the young people.

"Too many Americans consider underage drinking a rite of passage to adulthood," said Dr. Moritsugu. "Research shows that young people who start drinking before the age of 15 are five times more likely to have alcohol-related problems later in life. New research also indicates that alcohol may harm the developing adolescent brain. The availability of this research provides more reasons than ever before for parents and other adults to protect the health and safety of our nation's children."

Although there has been a significant decline in tobacco and illicit drug use among teens, underage drinking has remained at consistently high levels. The 2005 National Survey on Drug Use and Health estimates there are 11 million underage drinkers in the United States. Nearly 7.2 million are considered binge drinkers, typically meaning they drank more than five drinks on occasion, and more than two million are classified as heavy drinkers.
Developed in collaboration with the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Call to Action identifies six goals:

• Foster changes in society that facilitate healthy adolescent development and that help prevent and reduce underage drinking.
• Engage parents, schools, communities, all levels of government, all social systems that interface with youth, and youth themselves in a coordinated national effort to prevent and reduce underage drinking and its consequences.
• Promote an understanding of underage alcohol consumption in the context of human development and maturation that takes into account individual adolescent characteristics as well as environmental, ethnic, cultural, and gender differences.
• Conduct additional research on adolescent alcohol use and its relationship to development.
• Work to improve public health surveillance on underage drinking and on population-based risk factors for this behavior.
• Work to ensure that policies at all levels are consistent with the national goal of preventing and reducing underage alcohol consumption.

"Alcohol remains the most heavily abused substance by America's youth," said Dr. Moritsugu. "This Call to Action is attempting to change the culture and attitudes toward drinking in America. We can no longer ignore what alcohol is doing to our children."

Copies of The Surgeon General's Call to Action to Prevent and Reduce Underage Drinking and other related materials are available at www.surgeongeneral.gov or by calling the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information at 1-800-729-6686.

###

On Tuesday, January 23, 2007, officers from the Great Falls Police Department conducted alcohol compliance checks at 70 bars/taverns/casinos/restaurants and grocery/convenience stores within the city limits of Great Falls. This is the first compliance check the GFPD has done since April 2006. Regardless of past compliance or non-compliance, all beer/liquor license holders will be checked again between Oct 1st 2006 and Sept 30th 2007. Those that pass the upcoming grant year (2006-2007) compliance checks will only be checked one time during the fiscal year, unless they fail. The purpose of this check was to ensure establishments are checking for identification to confirm patrons are of legal age in accordance with applicable Montana Laws. Police coordinated seven teams, each team consisting of two police officers and one volunteer underage “buyer” from Malmstrom Air Force Base. They conducted the operation from late afternoon until late evening.

The “buyers” entered each establishment/store and attempted to purchase an alcoholic beverage. Each “buyer” was in possession of their own valid, unaltered driver’s license, listing their date of birth. When the “buyers” were asked to present identification, they did so. If they were asked if they are 21 the buyers responded, “What does my ID say?” There was no attempt to deceive the store clerks or bartenders.
Of the 70 establishments/stores checked, a total of 49 complied with MT State Law. (81% PASS RATE) After each transaction or attempted transaction, the plain clothed police officers would immediately contact the clerk or bartender and advise them of the compliance check operation. The 12 clerks/bartenders who did not comply with the state law and sold an alcoholic beverage to the underage “buyer” were cited for selling alcohol to an underage person; Unlawful Sales.

Following is a list of alcohol serving establishments/stores that complied with the MT State Law and refused to provide or sell alcohol upon determining the “buyer” was underage;

-Silver City Casino 907 Smelter Avenue NE
-Ryan’s Station 721 6 Street SW
-Pin N Cue 1800 3 Street NW
-Prospector Casino 907 Smelter Avenue NE
-Loaf N Jug 1225 Central Avenue West
-Lucky Nickel Casino 527 Central Avenue West
-J Bar T 619 3 Street NW
-Longhorn Lounge 801 Smelter Avenue NE
-Lucky Lil’s Casino 1605 Fox Farm Road
-Albertson’s 1414 3 Street NW
-Country Club Express 1608 Fox Farm Road
-Flying J Truck Stop 3715 31 Street SW
-Elks Club 500 1 Avenue South
-Emerald City Casino 528 Smelter Avenue NE
-Half Time Sports Bar 1101 NW Bypass
-Holiday Station 1601 Fox Farm Road
-Loaf N Jug 601 Smelter Avenue NE
-Lido Bar 625 1 Avenue NW
-Triple Play 1600 10 Avenue South
-VFW Post 4125 10 Avenue South
-Spoon’s Saloon 1400 10 Avenue North
-Howard’s Pizza 713 1 Avenue North
-Fraternal Order of Eagles 1505 9 Street South
-City Bar 709 Central Avenue
-Big John’s Casino 2323 11 Avenue South
-Dante’s Bar 1325 8 Avenue North
-Magic Diamond Casino 702 10 Avenue South
-Amigo Lounge 1200 7 Street South
-Machinery Row 202 2 Avenue South (basement)
-The Breaks 202 2 Avenue South (upstairs)
-Town Pump 401 10 Avenue South
-The Loading Zone 2408 10 Avenue South
-Players II Casino 2126 10 Avenue South
-R & R Casino 3801 10 Avenue South
-Noon’s 3200 10 Avenue South
-On Your Way Conoco 3601 10 Avenue South
-Peres Food Basket 2700 2 Avenue North
-Town Pump 700 10 Avenue South
-Sidetrack Lounge 3653 9 Avenue North
-Stein Haus 711 1 Avenue North
-Taco Treat 2025 10 Avenue South
-U Bet Casino 2312 10 Avenue South
-Eight Ball Inn 1020 17 Street South
-El Commodore 1120 25 Street South
-Town House/Lucky Lil’s 1411 10 Avenue South
-Lucky Duck 1915 10 Avenue South
-Nickel Mania 1901 10 Avenue South
-Jaker’s 1500 10 Avenue South
-Peppers Bar/Casino 1200 10 Avenue South

Following is a list of alcohol serving establishments/stores that FAILED to comply with the MT State Law and provided or sold an alcoholic beverage to an underage person;

-On Your Way Conoco 1099 NW Bypass
-Royal Flush 605 2 Avenue NW
-Elmers 1600 Fox Farm Road
-Holiday West Casino 1520 3 Street NW
-Mackenzie River Pizza 500 River Drive South
-The Red Door 16 6 Street South
-Pizza Hut 1518 10 Avenue South
-Palace Casino 626 10 Avenue South
-Maple Garden 5401 9 Avenue South
-Pizazz 301 Central Avenue
-Keith’s Country Store 1621 10 Avenue South
-The Other Place 1200 9 Street South

9 of the 12 establishments/stores that failed the compliance check did check the “buyers” driver’s license, but still sold an alcoholic beverage. All “buyers” driver’s licenses stated “Under 21” or “Not 21 Until Date.” Those failing to comply were cited into Justice Court for unlawful sales, a misdemeanor. Employees cited were advised to inform their management to alert them of the action taken. The MT Department of Revenue is notified of those failing to comply and civil penalties are assessed to the businesses.

Prior to this alcohol compliance check, the Great Falls Police Department sent a letter to the Montana Tavern Association and all beer/liquor license holders stating compliance checks would again be conducted throughout the year in Great Falls. Furthermore, the Great Falls Police Department, in conjunction with the DUI Task Force conducted two free alcohol compliance training to all liquor license holders (beer, wine or liquor) in the city on December 6th 2006.

The Great Falls Police Special Projects Unit will be conducting future alcohol compliance checks. The next Alcohol Server (Merchant) Training Seminar will be held on Wednesday Feb 21st 2007 at 2pm and again at 7pm in the Missouri Room at the Civic Center. This is FREE and we encourage all beer/liquor licensees/employees to attend. GFPD will provide food for those attending these merchant trainings. Those interested in obtaining information about alcohol compliance training may contact Officer Steve Pretat of the Special Projects Unit at 771-1180 ext. 222 and we ask they RSVP the training (time) they will be attending on the 21st.

In February 2006, the Department of Justice, Office of Justice Program and Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention announced funding to further the Department’s mission by seeking to reduce the availability of alcohol beverages to and the consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons that are serving in the United States Air Force and under the age of 21.

The Montana Board of Crime Control and the Great Falls Police Department partnered with Malmstrom Air Force Base, Cascade County Sheriff’s Office and the Cascade County DUI Task Force and wrote a grant submission that was approved in August of 2006. This grant is worth $350,000.00 for the community of Cascade County, the City of Great Falls and more importantly the men and women of Malmstrom Air Force Base. Out of 22 submissions around the United States only four were awarded. The states that received the grants were Montana, California, Arizona, and Hawaii.

The grant will be managed by the Great Falls Police Department with oversight coming from the Montana Board of Crime Control. These grant goals are as follows:

• Seeks to reduce the number of first time alcohol related incidents.
• Decrease incidence of unintentional injuries related to alcohol consumption among underage persons
• Reduce alcohol related traffic injuries or fatalities among underage persons

Funding for the grant is broken down into the following classifications:

1. Equipment - $170,000.00+
2. Contracted Services - $119,000.00+
3. Travel - $7,500.00
4. Operating Expense - $24,850.00+

• Equipment, will be equipment needed in prosecution of DUI, Underage Drinking Parties etc...
• Contracted Services, are persons hired to run the grant and track it
• Travel, will be for advanced education for underage drinking staff
• Operating Expense, will be for non-alcoholic functions, training and day-to-day activities for the grant

Malmstrom Air Force Base, the Great Falls Police Department, the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office and the Cascade County DUI Task Force are partners in this endeavor and are excited about the possibilities that this grant provides the citizens of Cascade County and Malmstrom AFB personnel. Our efforts, as always, are to protect our youth from harm and serve the community and our nation through innovative ideas and funding opportunities.

MPO Steve Pretat, 771-1180 ext 222