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Awards Recognize Technology Innovation and Education for Alcohol-Licensed Businesses
Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) has received two national Best Practices Awards from StateWays magazine. The magazine recognized ABS’ digitized receiving and accounts payable invoice automation program as “Best Technology Innovation” and its Good Neighbor awards program as “Best Trade/Licensee Education Program.” The awards will be presented Tuesday, Oct. 20, at the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association’s Administrators Conference.
The digitized receiving and accounts payable invoice automation program modernizes warehouse receiving and financial operations through automated processes integrated with the Oracle Business Suite. The initiative reduces paper-based workflows, improves financial controls, and accelerates supplier payments. It also helps prevent duplicate payments and data-entry errors, improves audit readiness, and strengthens fraud-prevention safeguards.
The Good Neighbor awards program recognizes alcohol-licensed businesses that pass compliance checks conducted by ABS’ regulation team by refusing to sell or serve alcohol to anyone under age 21. Businesses that do not pass a compliance check receive individualized training to help prevent future violations. The program combines enforcement, education, and recognition to promote responsible alcohol sales.
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“Good government means finding ways to work more efficiently, protect public resources, and ensure our programs serve residents well,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Through the use of technology, Alcohol Beverage Services is strengthening accountability and maximizing revenue from alcohol sales to support County services. Through the Good Neighbor program, ABS is working directly with local businesses to prevent underage drinking and promote responsible alcohol sales. These awards recognize work that benefits the entire community.”
StateWays is a national trade magazine focused on issues affecting government-controlled alcohol beverage systems. Its coverage includes financial performance, responsible consumption, enforcement, retail sales, and warehouse operations.
“We’re pleased to be recognized by StateWays magazine and to share experiences with other control systems nationwide,” said ABS Director Kathie Durbin. “The Best Practices Awards help us collaborate on innovative approaches that bring even more accountability to the communities we serve.”
Seventeen U.S. jurisdictions and all but one Canadian province operate under a similar alcohol control model to the County’s. These jurisdictions oversee wholesale sales of distilled spirits and, in some cases, wine and beer, through government agencies. The model allows revenue from alcohol sales to support public services.
Read the StateWays article for more information.
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ABS generates tens of millions of dollars in net income annually. The revenue helps pay down County debt, with a significant portion deposited into the County’s general fund to support services that otherwise would rely on tax dollars.
Residents can follow ABS on Facebook and X.
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Read the original article at mcgov
