Sticker Shock event promotes underage drinking prevention

NEWTON — With the holidays quickly approaching, The Center for Prevention and Counseling reminds and encourages community members to be part of the solution to preventing underage drinking. On Friday, Nov. 11, the Center conducted several successful “Sticker Shock” events around the county. “Sticker Shocks” are designed to reach adults, who might purchase alcohol legally and provide it to underage drinkers. Bright stickers, warning about the penalties for furnishing alcohol to minors, are placed on all multi-packs of beer, alco-pops, and other alcohol products that might appeal to youth. The impact of the stickers is increased by media coverage of the event and, by the youth talking about their experiences. “Sticker Shock” events represent a partnership between our young people, alcohol selling retailers, concerned parents, community members, prevention professionals, and law enforcement with the goal of educating potential furnishers, raising public awareness about underage drinking, and strengthening the deterrent effect of the law against providing alcohol to minors.
The Center for Prevention and Counseling has been engaging youth with “Sticker Shock” events since 2009, under the direction of the Coalition for Healthy and Safe Communities. On Friday, November 11, Ayla Bower and Patrice Reilly, from The Center, conducted “Sticker Shocks” at Burke’s Liquors and The Liquor Factory in Sparta, The Liquor Factory in Hopatcong and ShopRite in Byram.
Sticker Shock events help spread education and awareness regarding the dangers of underage drinking. Especially during the holidays and all year long, please secure and monitor alcohol in your home and remember, “Parents Who Host Lose The Most-Don’t be a Party to Teenage Drinking, It’s Against the Law.” To learn more about preventing underage drinking, go to www.parentadvicenj.org or contact The Center for Prevention and Counseling at www.centerforprevention.org.