ASAP SPF SIG reports 100% success with recent alcohol compliance checks in area

submitted by Allamakee Substance Abuse Prevention Strategic Prevention
Framework State Incentive Grant (ASAP SPF/SIG)

There is no doubt that underage alcohol use is an extremely serious problem. But there are many effective strategies for reducing the problem. Strategies that limit access to alcohol by youth are some of the most powerful and well-documented approaches to reducing underage drinking.
Underage drinkers can obtain alcohol in many different ways; they can steal it or get it from their friends or their parents. In fact, kids are frequently quite creative in their schemes to get access to alcohol. All too often, however, they simply walk into a store or bar and buy it, no questions asked, no identification requested, no problems encountered. Cutting off this type of easy access is the most important step toward preventing underage drinking in most communities.
In an effort to reduce the availability of alcohol to youth, Allamakee Substance Abuse Prevention Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant (SPF SIG) has been collaborating with the Allamakee County Sheriff’s Office to conduct random compliance checks of businesses that sell alcohol.
ASAP SPF SIG reports that in the most recent round of compliance checks of 14 randomly selected alcohol-selling establishments in Allamakee County, each and every one of them demonstrated compliance with the law.
"This shows that these businesses acted responsibly in the hiring, training and supervision of their staff with regard to the laws and ordinances regulating the sale of alcohol," commented ASAP SPF/SIG staff. "Allamakee Substance Abuse Prevention and our local law enforcement appreciate the work these businesses have put into this essential part of their business. These responsible alcohol sales businesses are a respected part of Allamakee County’s business community and their efforts to help us keep alcohol out of the hands of youth are applauded."
Allamakee Substance Abuse Prevention SPF SIG and the Allamakee County Sheriff’s Department will be working together in the future to continue these alcohol compliance checks. This inexpensive and effective strategy can help reduce alcohol related incidents involving youth.
Checks have been conducted nationwide and research reported in "Montana’s Guide to Alcohol Compliance Checks" shows that over 50% of the youth of any community could purchase alcohol without being asked for identification. "People who care about youth are aware of the serious problems caused by underage drinking and most law enforcement officers would rather participate in an alcohol compliance check program than have to respond to a traffic incident involving youth and alcohol," ASAP SPF SIG staff remarked.

The Allamakee County Substance Abuse Prevention SPF SIG project is funded by the Iowa Department of Public Health, through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the US. Department of Health and Human Services.