As part of a high-risk youth grant from the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, the Southwest Regional Laboratory developed and implemented a survey of alcohol sales establishments. The purpose was to assess the availability of alcohol in the community and changes in availability over time that may have an impact on findings related to project activities and services provided to the target population. This survey was so successful that the process and instrument are presented for use by other communities. This document presents the rationale for conducting the survey, and methods for designing a survey instrument, selecting a sample, and collecting data, as well as suggestions for reporting results. A sample instrument and report are also provided. (Author/SLD)