RRForum 8th National Conference

April 21-22, 2010. the Hilton Washington DC / Rockville Hotel

The 8th RRForum was held in Rockville, Maryland on April 21-22, 2010 at the Hilton Washington DC / Rockville Hotel. The Montgomery County (MD) Dept of Liquor Control served as host and sponsor for the national meeting.

The 8th national RRForum meeting focus upon three issues:

• Raising the Bar. National and regional chains have adopted RR systems that many independents have neither the funds nor the skills to implement on their own. This year’s conference will examine how RR standards can be extended to independent operators and the role of chains in this effort.
• Working with Community Stakeholders. Last year, the panel of state regulators emphasized how important it is for licensees to develop ties with community groups—that there are really three parties involved in problem resolutions: the regulator, the licensee and the community. This year, the meeting will examine some of the barriers between licensees and prevention agencies and how those barriers can be overcome to create a symbiotic partnership.
• A “Social Contract” between Licensees and the Community.  RRForum has received Small Business Innovation Research awards from the National Institutes of Health to translate its research findings into sustainable RR systems for cities and states. One aspect of these systems is a “social contract” that acknowledges that licensees that adapt RR Best Practices should receive benefits from regulators, public safety and insurers.