The primary purpose of ABC's T.R.A.C.E. program (Target Responsibility for Alcohol Connected Emergencies) is to identify and investigate incidents involving persons under 21 who have obtained alcohol that leads to serious injury or death. The program aims to trace the source of alcohol involved in these emergencies to hold accountable those who sold or provided alcohol to minors. It serves as an enforcement tool to combat youth access to alcohol and reduce alcohol-related harm, including fatal crashes involving minors or alcohol-impaired drivers
. In practice, first responders notify ABC immediately when an alcohol-related emergency involves a minor and results in great bodily injury or death. ABC then works with local law enforcement to conduct thorough investigations to determine where and how the alcohol was obtained. Businesses or individuals found to have sold or furnished alcohol to minors may face penalties including fines, license suspension, or criminal charges
. Thus, the core goal of the TRACE program is public safety through accountability, preventing underage drinking, and reducing tragic outcomes related to alcohol consumption by minors
