Patrol asks people to drink responsibly

Ohio State Highway Patrol information

COLUMBUS — Agents with the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU) want all Ohioans and visitors to the state to drink responsibly when enjoying the remainder of this summer — whether they’re boating, going to concerts and taking in a ball game.

“There are still big events taking place in Ohio this summer,” said Captain Gary Allen, OIU commander. “Whether you’re at 12 Days of Christmas in July at Put-In-Bay or you’re at Jamboree in the Hills in Belmont County, we want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable time. That happens by drinking responsibly.”

Agents will be at many of the events this summer looking for alcohol violations. For those people whose plans include alcohol, remember the following:

• It is illegal to drink, possess or purchase alcohol under the age of 21;
• It is illegal to furnish alcohol to anyone under 21;
• It is illegal to serve anyone alcohol who is intoxicated; and
• It is illegal to operate a vehicle, and also a boat, while under the influence.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Ohio Investigative Unit agents are plain-clothed fully sworn peace officers. OIU is charged with enforcing the state’s liquor laws and is the only state law enforcement agency specifically tasked with investigating food stamp fraud crimes. Agents also investigate tobacco violations.

Follow OIU on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ohio-Investigative-Unit/165782203506269 and on Twitter by logging onto http://twitter.com/Ohio_OIU.