2021 Fake ID Awards
(Point of contact for the following Arlington County Police Department news release is: Ashely Savage, Public Information Officer, Arlington County Police Department–asavage@arlingtonv.us 703-228-4331)
Arlington, VA, April 1, 2022 – The Arlington Restaurant Initiative (ARI) recognized two security guards and management of two restaurants during the Arlington County Police Department’s sixth annual Fake ID Awards on the evening of March 31, 2022. The recipients were recognized for their excellence in detecting false identifications and preventing underage drinking.
In addition to the recognition by ARI, Responsibility.org and The Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) presented gift cards to these restaurants for being strong partners for their overall commitment to reducing underage drinking.
“COVID-19 has brought challenging times to our restaurant community, but safety remained a top priority for businesses who are members of the ARI as evidenced by the fake IDs collected and safety maintained, said Samantha Brien, ACPD’s Restaurant and Nightlife Liaison. “I commend our 2021 award winners for their dedication to safe service.”
“Arlington’s ARI program is now being replicated in other cities, and businesses like Don Titos and Bar Bao are national models for going the extra mile to detect Fake IDs and prevent underage drinking,” said Brandy Axdahl, Senior Vice President for Responsibility Initiatives at Responsibility.org. “This year’s awardees are creating an inclusive and collaborative environment with improved safety and consumer experiences.”
“These dedicated employees continued to face COVID-related challenges in 2021 and we commend them for making underage drinking prevention a top priority in the midst of a global pandemic,” said Kurt Erickson, President and CEO of WRAP.
“We are excited to be recognized for the fake ID awards,” said Joe McDevitt, General Manager of Don Tito’s. “We want to make sure that everyone in our establishment is allowed to have a great time both responsibly and legally.”
Since 2017, ARI has been a partnership between the hospitality industry, law enforcement and county agencies to increase patron safety and provide restaurant owners and staff with resources to maximize safety and viability. ARI raises restaurant standards on alcohol service, streamlines county processes and maintains Arlington County as a safe nightlife and entertainment destination. ARI accredited restaurants have demonstrated a commitment safety for patrons and the community. The ARI staff include Sergeant John Vanak, Business Outreach Sergeant; Samantha Brien, ARI Restaurant and Nightlife Liaison; and Corporal Tatiana Hernandez, Business Outreach Officer.
Responsibility.org is a national not-for-profit organization headquartered in Arlington, VA, and funded for 30 years by America’s leading distillers. Its mission is to eliminate drunk driving and work with others to end all impaired driving, eliminate underage drinking, and empowers adults to make a lifetime of responsible alcohol choices as part of a balanced lifestyle.
The Washington Regional Alcohol Program is a public-private partnership working to prevent drunk driving and underage drinking in the Washington, DC region.
