Groundbreaking collaboration brings together industry professionals and law enforcement.
VERMONT – (September 2, 2026) – In an innovative partnership bringing together industry professionals and law enforcement, the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA) and the National Liquor Law Enforcement Association (NLLEA), launched its inaugural Alcohol Compliance Training (ACT) program in Vermont.
The Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery (VDLL) hosted this historic first training with NLLEA Executive Director Carrie Christofes welcoming attendees and introducing Commissioner Wendy Knight of the Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery and Director of Public Policy Terrance Merriweather of NABCA.
Commissioner Knight delivered opening remarks, "I am grateful for Vermont to be the first state to officially host ACT Training,” she said. “We appreciate the tough job of law enforcement and are proud of the important work you do in keeping your communities safe.”
"This collaboration between NABCA and NLLEA marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to promote responsible alcohol regulation and compliance. We are grateful to Commissioner Knight and to Vermont for hosting this inaugural training," said NABCA President and CEO Neal Insley.
Strong Nationwide Participation
ACT drew more than 50 attendees representing alcohol control and enforcement agencies from across the country:
• Colorado Liquor and Tobacco Enforcement Division
• Idaho State Police Alcohol Beverage Control
• Maine Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations
• Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission
• New Hampshire Liquor Commission Division of Enforcement
• New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety, Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control
• South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
• Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery
• West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Administration
“The strong turnout reflects growing demand for specialized training in alcohol compliance and enforcement and underscores the importance of cross-agency collaboration in addressing the industry's evolving challenges, said Brandon King, Deputy Chief VDLL.
Training Curriculum
The three-day program featured comprehensive sessions on critical topics facing alcohol compliance and enforcement professionals, such as:
• Corporate Issues and Investigations
• History of Alcohol
• Managing Large-Scale Events and Surveillance
• Alcohol Industry Development and Regulatory Response
• Place of Last Drink Investigations
• Changing Legislation and Legislative Challenges
Expert Trainers
The experienced trainers from several states committed to advancing best practices in alcohol compliance and enforcement nationwide were:
• Israel Morrow, Assistant Director, North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement
• Todd Merlina, Division Chief, Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board
• Thomas French, Ohio Investigative Unit
• Jessica Cerda, Ohio Investigative Unit
• Terrance Merriweather, Director of Public Policy, NABCA
• Carrie Christofes, Executive Director, NLLEA
For more information about ACT Training, contact program coordinator Carrie Christofes at carrie.christofes@nllea.org or Terrance Merriweather at terrance.merriweather@nabca.org.
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Media Contact:
Margaret Barchine, APR | 703-578-5515—Office | maggie.barchine@nabca.org
About NABCA
The National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA) is the national association representing the Control Systems—jurisdictions that directly control the distribution and sale of beverage alcohol within their borders. Founded in 1938, just five years after the repeal of Prohibition, NABCA serves as the unified voice for alcohol control jurisdictions across the United States. The association provides research, policy analysis, and educational resources to its members while promoting responsible sales and consumption of alcohol. NABCA's membership includes 18 control jurisdictions, which together serve nearly 176 million Americans. For more information, visit www.nabca.org.
About NLLEA
The National Liquor Law Enforcement Association (NLLEA) is the only national organization representing alcohol beverage control law enforcement agencies. Founded in 1985, NLLEA is dedicated to its members' professional development and advancing alcohol law enforcement across the nation. The association provides training, networking opportunities, and resources to state and local alcohol law enforcement officers, promoting the prevention of underage drinking, impaired driving, and other alcohol-related harms. NLLEA membership includes state alcohol law enforcement agencies, local law enforcement agencies, and other organizations committed to responsible alcohol regulation. For more information, visit www.nllea.org.