How police maintain safety as college students set to flood Athens bars and restaurants

As the University of Georgia gears up for the new academic year, so do the Athens' bars and restaurants that are fueled by the student population. Here is how law enforcement keeps underage sales in check.

Based on an anonymous survey , 60% of responders said that all or almost all of the UGA students that they know, under the age of 21, have a fake ID.

"We don't just go up to every single person and check their ID and see if they're drinking or not," said Athens-Clarke County Police Lieutenant Jody Thompson. "It's usually when they're out of control or causing disturbances, which, as the nights usually go on, that they usually kind of stand out a little bit more than others, usually by their own actions."

The officers assigned to the downtown area are highly specialized and have built strong relationships with local businesses. Thompson mentioned that having a strong relationship with the community helps keep underage drinking at bay, as businesses know they're being held accountable through compliance checks.

What are compliance checks?

These checks involve inspecting establishments to verify that staff are serving the appropriate clientele, checking ID's and adhering to all required protocols.

All responders said that all or almost all of the UGA students that they know have used a fake ID to get into a bar.

While the return of college students brings increased revenue, it also requires heightened vigilance to ensure compliance with alcohol laws.

The close cooperation between Athens-Clarke County Police Department and business owners is crucial in maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: How police maintain safety as college students set to flood Athens bars and restaurants