Assessing the implementation of place of last drink (POLD): a strategy to reduce overservice of alcohol

Background: Place of Last Drink (POLD) is a strategy used by some law enforcement agencies to identify bars and restaurants that overserve patrons. When responding to an alcohol-related incident, ideally officers systematically record the last drinking location of the individuals involved and follow up with locations that are frequently named as a source of last drink. The likely success of this strategy, as with many strategies, is dependent on how fully it is implemented. We assessed implementation of a POLD initiative in Minnesota (USA). Methods: We surveyed 26 law enforcement agencies about their POLD implementation. We created and assessed four components: Start-up, Data Collection, Stakeholder Awareness, and Follow-up. Five researchers independently rated each agency on each component, resolving discrepancies through consensus. We combined component ratings to create an overall high, medium or low implementation rating, Results: We found considerable variation in ratings for each component and in overall levels of POLD implementation across the 26 agencies. Nine agencies were rated as having overall high implementation, five as medium, and 12 as low. Conclusion: Considering implementation levels allows a more granular assessment of the components necessary for optimal implementation of POLD and other programs, and how they may affect outcomes.