Caroline’s Country Store is this year’s recipient of the Covington County Children’s Policy Council’s Vendor of the Year Award.

Abby Lord of Caroline’s Country Store said that they are very excited to receive the award and cannot wait to put it in their home office in Opp.

“It is amazing to be a recipient of this award,” Lord said. “It is nice to get recognition for the hard work that we have been putting in.”

The award recognizes alcohol vendors in Covington County that have 100 percent compliance with Alabama alcohol laws.

Caroline’s Country Store had zero sales to minors and is vigilant with ID-ing those who purchase alcohol.

Lord said that the country store tries to abide by all of the liquor laws and they work hard to train all of their employees by participating in the Alabama Responsible Vendor Program.

“We signed up for the RVP for safety reasons,” Lord said. “We put a lot of work into taking several tests and training all of our employees to make sure that they do everything the right way.”

The Alabama Responsible Vendor Program is a voluntary program that allows licensees to become certified through the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. The program requires the licensee to train all employees who are involved in the management, sale and/or service of alcoholic beverages.

“We take everything very seriously with the RVP when they do follow ups,” Lord said. “They have several videos and classes for our employees and since we are a member of the program, it requires us to give all of our employees a 30 day period before testing them on the material.”

Lord said that asking everyone for their I.D. is one of the ways that they make sure all of their stores are following the rules.

“We have a lot of repeat customers and so when we have a new customer we will pay extra attention to them if they are buying alcohol,” Lord said. “Along with that we have a zero tolerance policy in our store, so if anything were to happen that employee would no longer be with us.”

The Alabama Alcohol Beverage & Control Board assists the CCCPC with the selection of the award.

“We just try to abide by the rules,” Lord said. “That way the county can be as safe as possible.”