ID: “Think Twice or Pay the Price” new statewide campaign in prevention of underage drinking over the holiday season
By Sharlene Johnson, President Upriver Youth Leadership Council
November 28, 2018
The next time you make a purchase at an Idaho State Liquor Store, you’ll be part of the newest statewide campaign to prevent underage drinking.
The campaign is sponsored by The Idaho Office of Drug Policy, the Idaho Liquor Division, Upriver Youth Leadership Council (UYLC) and Youth Advisory Board (YAB). All involved hope the message sticks.
UYLC and YAB members dedicated much of their monthly work to placing 2,000 eye-catching stickers on the brown paper bags customers use to carry their purchases from local liquor stores. The “Think Twice or Pay the Price” stickers stand out on the store bags, and provide a strong reminder: “If You Provide Alcohol to Minors, You Could Face up to $1,000 in Fines & up to one year in Jail.” This public awareness campaign will be taking place in stores statewide beginning on November 23rd. The project is intended to bring attention to the issue of underage drinking and the adults who provide alcohol to minors.
According to the Idaho Youth Risk Behavior Survey in 2017, 47% of underage drinkers reported usually obtaining alcohol they drink by someone giving it to them, which may include adults aged 21 and over purchasing it legally. Idaho law prohibits both providing alcohol to minors and allowing minors to consume or possess alcohol in a place that is under your control (i.e., your home or car), even if you don’t supply the alcohol. YAB members agree that when adults supply alcohol to youth it sends a very mixed message.
“Some adults do not perceive youth use of alcohol as a danger. Some even feel a sense of relief that “it’s only alcohol” and not a “real drug.” But alcohol remains the drug most abused by our youth.” stated Sharlene Johnson, UYLC Executive Director.
The Sticker Shock project hopes to cause adults to think twice before making it any easier for youth to access alcohol. Underage drinking is a community concern and the most effective way to address it is through community involvement and everyone’s participation. For additional information, please contact: Sharlene Johnson, UYLC Executive Director (208) 743-0392, upriverylc@gmail.com