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Arlington Restaurant Initiative

We recognize the Coronavirus outbreak is a unique challenge for businesses, bringing forth much uncertainty in the industry. We’re sharing helpful information for restaurant and bar owners to guide them as they navigate the Coronavirus outbreak.

About the Program

In an effort to increase safety for citizens and to provide restaurant owners and staff, as well as special event staff, with resources to maximize their safety and viability, the Arlington County Police Department has partnered with County agencies to establish the Arlington Restaurant Initiative (ARI). The goal of ARI is to raise the standards of restaurants that serve alcohol, streamline processes within the County Government and maintain Arlington County as a safe destination for nightlife and entertainment.

Benefits of Participation

ARI was developed to increase the overall safety of customers, businesses and neighborhood residents in areas with nightlife and entertainment. Through a collaborative approach between government agencies and businesses, Arlington County will improve the strategies and standards of establishments serving alcohol while building positive community relations, reducing crime and recognizing responsible businesses.

Email the Restaurant Liaison Unit to learn about training opportunities and program participation

ARI Training

Arlington County provides a full range of training designed to empower staff to increase safety, comply with the law, and help reduce liability.

ARI Community Partnerships

Several Arlington County agencies worked collaboratively with the restaurant and special event industry to establish guidelines for the development and implementation of safe practices.

ARI Accredited Restaurants and Special Event Venues

Restaurants and special event venues that successfully complete the ARI accreditation process demonstrate their commitment to the safety of their patrons and the community.

Alcohol Safety Outreach

Arlington County Police and the Fire Marshal’s Office engage with patrons several times a year to increase awareness about drunk driving and alcohol safety.

ARI Program Resources and Studies

A library of materials, resources and academic studies supporting the program.

Bar Safe Program

The Bar Safe program is a patron accountability initiative focused on deterring alcohol related crime in the Clarendon neighborhood.

Arlington Restaurant Initiative Toolkit for Law Enforcement Agencies

In 2019, ACPD published “The Arlington Restaurant Initiative: A Nightlife Policing Strategy to Improve Safety and Economic Viability,” with the United States Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office. This publication describes ACPD’s work to change its policing approach in the popular Clarendon nightlife area from a focus on enforcement to a focus on prevention.