“It Stops Here- We Won’t Sell To Minors”

Take A Stand Against Underage Drinking.

Dear Alcohol Vendor,

There is rising concern in ______about increases in underage drinking and the harm it has upon children and youth. Friday Night Live is working hard to prevent underage drinking, and to keep a healthy environment for youth and their families. Recent research shows that children in ______start drinking as young as age___, and that many teenagers and young adults drink regularly; jeopardizing their health, their success in school, and their futures. It takes action by the whole community to address underage and binge drinking. We must shift people’s perceptions of drinking, create expectations and an environment for young people that reduces the availability of alcohol which will in turn help them make healthy and safe choices.

As a licensed liquor vendor, you have a responsibility to assure that your store is not a location where youth can obtain alcohol. To that end, we are working with you and our local Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) office to help make our community safer and stronger. Attached, you will find information regarding resources ABC has availableto assist you in ensuring that your business abides by the law. These resources, along with your efforts, will help secure a safer ______for our youth. Your location is a great asset to our community and we would like to see you avoid any repercussions of selling alcohol to minors. Keep in mind the possible consequences of selling alcohol to a minor:

  • A criminal fine of $250 and/or
  • 24-32 hours of community service for the violator.
  • Administrative action against the ABC license, which can include: a fine (ranging from $750-$20,000), a suspension, or revocation of the license.
  • TRACE connection and possible penalties in the case of an alcohol related emergency.

ABC has many programs established to help you abide by the law. For instance, their L.E.A.D. (Licensee Education on Alcoholic and Drugs) Program, which is free to all participants, is designed to provide high quality, effective, and educationally sound training on alcohol responsibility and the law to California retail licensees and their employees. We encourage you to contact the ABC to learn more about this valuable program.

What can you do to help prevent Underage Drinking?

The Youth Leadership Institute has created this pledge campaign to help you find the resources you need to be educated about the law and the selling of alcohol to minors. When a minor purchases alcohol, the community as a whole suffers. You can face economical consequences, and our youth face the dangers of underage drinking. We urge you to join us as we work to end underage drinking. By signing this pledge, you will be making a symbolic gesture to our youth that you are committed to their well being. We hope we can count you an ally in this great cause.

© 2005 Youth Leadership Institute • • (559) 255.3222

Please do not use, replicate or adapt without permission.

“It Stops Here- we won’t sell to minors”

The Pledge

WHEREAS, approximately 9.7 million current drinkers in the United States are between the ages of 12-20; and

WHEREAS, alcohol is the most frequently used drug by high-school seniors; and

WHEREAS, 13.1 years is the average age of first drink in California, and the average age of first drink in ______is ______years; and

WHEREAS, young people who begin drinking before age 15 are five times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who begin drinking at age 21; and

WHEREAS, 13 percent of all youth, ages 12-17, had at least one serious problem related to drinking in the past year;

As a Licensed Liquor Vendor (______), understanding the dangers of Underage Drinking, I here now pledge to the following:

  • I will provide proper training to all employees to ensure federal, state and local laws regarding the sale of alcohol products are obeyed.
  • I will not allow anyone who appears to be under the age of 30 to purchase alcohol products without proper identification.
  • I will not sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 21.

______

Store Representative Date

______

Youth Representative Date

______

FNL Adult Ally Date

© 2005 Youth Leadership Institute • • (559) 255.3222 Please do not use, replicate or adapt without permission.