Shoppette changes alcohol sale hours Published May 15, 2009 By 1Lt Cindy Serrano 52nd Force Support Squadron SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- If you walk into the Bitburg or Spangdahlem Shoppette after midnight and attempt to purchase an alcoholic beverage after May 22 you will be turned away and asked to return after 8 a.m. This new policy has been implemented due to the recent rise in alcohol-related offenses and Sabers who have been driving under the influence. In the last two months there have been 10 AROs and eight DUIs, most occurring during the early morning hours and can be directly correlated with late-night alcohol purchases. There has also been a trend of Airmen continuing to drink once they arrive back on base from local bars and clubs, which increases the risk of unsafe incidents and decreases our level of mission readiness. The results of these compromising decisions have lead to disciplinary actions and degradation of mission capability. In an effort to reinforce both a culture of responsible choices and the Alcohol Deglamorization Program, alcohol sales have been limited to 8 a.m. to midnight. "While we are all individually responsible for our choices, we also have an obligation to help our friends, colleagues and teammates make responsible choices too," said Col. Lee Wight, 52nd Fighter Wing commander, as he encourages all Sabers to have a wingman and a plan when they decide to have a drink.