Six Establishments Adopt Policies Against Drunk Driving, Other Issues

Photo Caption: The River Rock Restaurant and Marina Bar in Brick, New Jersey was one of six Ocean County establishments to implement a TIPS policy in 2018. Pictured from left to right: Rory Wells, DART Prevention Coalition Co-Chair; Maria Conrow, General Manager, River Rock; Marco Giancarli, Owner, River Rock; Jeff Ryan, Barnegat Township Police Department and Co-chair of the DART Underage Drinking Workgroup; Michel Buldo, DART Prevention Coalition Coordinator; Michael Capko, DART Prevention Coalition Manager.

LAKEWOOD – The DART Prevention Coalition of Ocean County has helped six Ocean County businesses implement its TIPS initiative to prevent intoxication, underage drinking and drunk driving through “responsible beverage serving.”

TIPS policies were implemented at The Clarion Hotel in Toms River, Tuckers Tavern and Plantation Restaurant in Long Beach Island, Breezes Bar and Grill in New Gretna, Oyster Creek Brewery in Waretown, and River Rock Restaurant and Marina Bar in 2018.

All staff are trained in recognizing signs of intoxication, preventing the sale of alcohol to minors, handling alcohol-related situations, and using proven strategies to prevent alcohol-related problems. DART provides the training.

“By implementing a TIPS policy, establishments help minimize the risks associated with alcohol service, protecting both patrons and staff,” Michele Buldo, Coordinator of the DART Prevention Coalition, said. “It’s important to have local establishments engaged in responsible beverage serving efforts right here in Ocean County.”

To learn more, write to Michele Buldo at michele.buldo@rwjbh.org.