Sales of alcohol sales aboard Marine Corps installations will soon be restricted as the service continues its fight against the abuse of alcohol and crimes associated with drinking. According to Marine Times, the new rules are detailed in a memo signed by Commandant Gen. James Amos. The changes are intended to support initiatives tied to sexual assault prevention and response as well as to promote health. The changes must be completed within 90 days from the date of the letter and include new limitations: liquor will be removed from all sites designated as Marine Marts adjacent to barracks; alcoholic beverages will be sold only from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. in all Marine Corps exchanges; floor space dedicated to the sale and display of alcohol will be limited to no more than 10 percent of total retail space in stores not considered a package store; alcohol and displays will be relocated to the sides or rears of exchanges. In January, the Marine Corps started administering breathalyzers as part of the Alcohol Screening Program. The tests, generally issued in the morning, indicate whether a Marine is showing up to work with alcohol in his or her system. Anyone with a blood-alcohol content of 0.01 could be referred to alcohol abuse counseling.
