Delaware Alcohol & Tobacco Enforcement

08/28/2026

This week, the Delaware Division of Alcohol and To***co Enforcement (DATE) was proud to host FBI-LEEDA’s Executive Leadership Institute in Harrington.

The course brought law enforcement professionals together for advanced training focused on executive-level leadership, organizational culture, accountability, and effective decision-making. At the conclusion of the class, 24 students received the prestigious FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award, recognizing their completion of the Supervisor Leadership Institute, Command Leadership Institute, and Executive Leadership Institute.

Among the recipients were three members of DATE: Corporal Sayers, Corporal Warner, and Corporal Burris. Congratulations to them and all of this week’s Trilogy Award recipients on this outstanding professional achievement! We also want to recognize Cpl. Wilkers, who, by completing this training, has taken his first step toward his Trilogy Award.

Continued leadership training is essential to developing capable, ethical, and forward-thinking law enforcement professionals. By investing in these opportunities, Delaware’s law enforcement agencies strengthen their leaders, their organizations, and ultimately the communities they serve.

DATE is honored to support professional development opportunities that advance leadership excellence throughout Delaware law enforcement.

08/25/2026

08/24/2026

📅 Save the date!

DATE’s DUI/Distracted Driving Simulator will be at the Dewey Beach Community Appreciation & Public Safety Day on Saturday, September 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Stop by and see how impairment and distraction can affect a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. We look forward to seeing you there!

08/24/2026

Charles B. Emory Jr. is the new Director of the Police Officer Standards and Training Commission (POST). Emory brings nearly 30 years of law enforcement and executive leadership experience to his new role.

news.delaware.gov/2026/08/24/emory-is-new-director-of-delaware-post-commission/

Emory joined POST in 2024 as an investigator before becoming administrator of the Delaware Police Accreditation Commission (DPAC) earlier this year, supporting statewide standards for police hiring, training, policy and accreditation. He researched training and policy, evaluated curricula and standards, reviewed accreditation requirements and served as a state accreditation assessor.

“I look forward to continuing the excellent work that has been carried out by our law enforcement agencies and community organizations,” Director Emory said. “Together, through professional development, effective training, accreditation, and adherence to the highest standards, we can continue to advance Delaware law enforcement and enhance the communities we are privileged to serve.”

Before joining POST, Emory spent nearly 28 years with the Wilmington Department of Police - Delaware, advancing from patrol officer to inspector. He led the Operations and Administration divisions, overseeing uniformed patrols and special operations, school resource officers, the Police Athletic League, K9 and Marine units, communications, support services, human resources and training. He also helped manage the department’s $62 million budget and develop departmental policies.

Emory also served on the former Council on Police Training and as a voting member of DPAC and other statewide law enforcement funding and policy bodies. Earlier assignments included leadership roles in human resources and training, uniformed services, criminal investigations and professional standards.

Emory has also completed specialized training in internal affairs investigations, project management, critical incident response and executive law enforcement leadership, including the Senior Management Institute for Police. He serves on the board of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives - NOBLE and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Administration of Justice from Howard University.

08/20/2026

📢 ATTENTION DELAWARE ALCOHOL LICENSEES: HB 195 IS NOW LAW

House Bill 195 was signed into law on June 10, 2026. The new law makes important changes to Delaware’s bartending age and responsible alcoholic beverage server training requirements.

Here’s what licensees need to know:

🍸 Bartending Age
Individuals who are 18, 19, or 20 years old may now sell and serve alcoholic beverages. They may also prepare, pour, or mix alcoholic beverages only when directly supervised by an individual who is 21 or older and working behind the bar with them.

🎓 Secondary School Students
Individuals under 19 who are enrolled in a secondary school program, including high school or vocational/technical school, may sell or serve alcoholic beverages but may not prepare, pour, or mix alcoholic beverages.

🏢 Where the New Law Applies
The new bartending-age provisions apply to caterers and on-premises establishments, including restaurants, taverns/taprooms, beer gardens, clubs, sports facilities, and other licensed on-premises establishments. They do not apply to package stores.

⚠️ The law also prohibits individuals under 21 from entering or working in any capacity in a tavern or taproom that offers sexually oriented entertainment.

📚 Server Training Changes
HB 195 also changes Delaware’s responsible alcoholic beverage server training requirement from every four years to every two years.

If you currently hold a valid server training certification from a Commissioner-approved program, you do not need to recertify until your current certification expires. Upon renewal, certifications will be valid for two years.

Swipe through our post for a quick breakdown of the changes.

08/12/2026

🚔 DATE at Greenwood’s National Night Out! 🇺🇸

Last night, the Delaware Division of Alcohol & To***co Enforcement (DATE) had a great time joining the Greenwood Police Department for their National Night Out event!

It was great to see so many members of the community come out, connect with local first responders, and enjoy the evening. A good time was had by all!

Our DATE DUI/Distracted Driving Simulator was also on hand, giving attendees an opportunity to experience firsthand the dangers and consequences associated with impaired and distracted driving. 🚗📵

A big thank you to the Greenwood Police Department for the invitation and for allowing us to be part of such a great community event. We always appreciate the opportunity to get out, meet everyone, and promote safe choices on Delaware roadways.

08/05/2026

🚨 UPDATE 🚨
Milton Police Department's National Night Out has been cancelled for tonight. Follow their page for rescheduling information.

Needless to say, DATE will not be at the event tonight. Hopefully everyone stays safe and dry tonight.

Due to the weather conditions, this year's National Night Out event has been cancelled. The Milton Police Department cordially invites you to our annual National Night Out event, taking place on Wednesday, August 5, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

08/05/2026

What an incredible evening celebrating National Night Out across Delaware!

The Delaware Division of Alcohol & To***co Enforcement (DATE) would like to extend a sincere thank you to the New Castle County Police Department, Dover Police Department, Milford Police Department, and Georgetown Police Department for inviting us to be part of your National Night Out events. We appreciate the opportunity to connect with so many members of our communities and to stand alongside our law enforcement partners.

Our officers had a fantastic time meeting families, talking with attendees, and participating in all the fun activities at each event. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth to learn more about DATE and say hello!

Didn't get a chance to see us? There's still one more opportunity! Join us today at the Milton Police Department's National Night Out event. Stop by our DUI/Disracted Driving Simulator to meet our team, learn about DATE's mission, and enjoy another great evening of community fun.

We look forward to seeing you there!

08/04/2026

🚔 Join the Delaware Division of Alcohol & To***co Enforcement (DATE) tonight for National Night Out!

Our Community Services Unit will be out in the community alongside our law enforcement partners at the following National Night Out events:

📍 New Castle County Police Department
📍 Dover Police Department
📍 Milford Police Department
📍 Georgetown Police Department

Stop by to meet our team, learn more about DATE's mission, explore our educational resources, and say hello! National Night Out is a great opportunity to connect with law enforcement, strengthen community partnerships, and enjoy an evening of family-friendly activities.

We look forward to seeing you tonight!

08/04/2026

TONIGHT is the night!!

Come out for our 30th Annual Night Out!!

It’s going to be a great night with beautiful weather, free food, great music and giveaways!!

We hope to see you all tonight from 6 pm to 8 pm in Bicentennial Park.