Norfolk D.A. to Offer Training for Establishments That Serve Alcohol

Editor's Note: Due to a reporting error, this article has been updated to clarify that this event is for owners and managers of establishments that serve alcohol, not liquor store owners as originally stated.

Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey is calling on licensed liquor venues throughout the county, requesting owners and managers of establishments that serve alcohol to attend an alcohol service training on Nov. 2, according to a statement from the D.A.'s office Tuesday.

Sponsored by Morrissey, the event will welcome Bill and Muriel Elliot to talk about the Ensign John R. Elliot Human Education Resource Officer (HERO) Campaign for designated drivers that is named for their son, a graduate of the Naval Academy who was struck and killed by a drunken driver on his way home for his mother’s birthday in 2000. 

The driver had been arrested on charges of driving under the influence and released only to get back in the car drunk, killing himself and John, according to Tuesday's statement.

“There were more than 60 impaired driving related deaths on Norfolk County roads last year," Morrissey said in a statement. "One is too many, and we saw more than one a week. If our training can supplement what bars and restaurants can provide to their front line servers, and keep a few patrons from having the one or two that makes them a dangerous driver, this will have served an important purpose.”

The name of the campaign derives from an honor John received at Annapolis, having been elected by his peers as a HERO to mentor other cadets – then being named the outstanding HERO in his graduating class, according to Tuesday's statement.

The training is expected to last 90 minutes and is meant to pose as a seminar for owners and managers of establishments that serve alcohol. The event will be held at Showcase Live at Patriot's Place in Foxborough from 8:30-10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 2. 

Morrissey is using the event to promote the HERO-designated driver campaign that has had success at Gillette stadium and in partnership with the Kraft organization and the Patriots, according to Tuesday's announcement. 

Those willing to participate need to RSVP to the DA’s Office at 781-830-4800. For more information on the HERO campaign, visit herocampaign.org.