Support Safe Grad: Don't Buy For Minors

The responsible use of alcohol means more than just watching how much you drink. It is important to realize the dangers involved in underage drinking and buying alcohol for minors.

The Nova Scotia Liquor Commission, in an effort to heighten awareness of the problem of underage drinking and to deter second-party purchases, today launched its Don't Buy for Minors campaign. With this campaign, the commission also encourages news media in Nova Scotia to join in bringing attention to the issue.

The campaign is timed to support provincial Safe Grad activities in June. The Safe Grad program, which demonstrates that teens can enjoy high school graduation activities without drinking alcohol, has increased in popularity in recent years.

During Safe Grad is the ideal time for liquor stores to take the lead role in promoting the theme "Alcohol in the hands of kids is not just a minor problem."

"The staff of our liquor stores take this problem very seriously," said Bruce Rogers, executive director of retail services at the Nova Scotia Liquor Commission. "Alcohol in the hands of kids has many negative consequences that can quickly turn fatal. That is why we are committed to doing everything we can to keep underage people from getting liquor."

A 1996 Nova Scotia Department of Health survey of junior and senior high school students indicated 54 per cent drank alcohol at least once in the 12 months prior to the survey. Thirty-one per cent of students surveyed reported being passengers with a driver who had had too much to drink.

While verifying the age of customers is a priority every day, liquor store staff will conduct an aggressive ID check program from June 22 to 27. They are prepared to challenge purchases that are suspected to be for minors. Last year's ID check week resulted in 6,099 challenges with 469 refusals.

"Our goal this year is to exceed 8,000 challenges in all stores combined," said Mr. Rogers.

Staff will also undergo an upgraded training program leading to the week of June 22, and actively promote the Don't Buy for Minors campaign by wearing buttons, displaying posters in stores and sponsoring advertisements. Employees and management believe the Nova Scotia Liquor Commission has a moral responsibility to raise awareness about underage drinking.

"Being a sponsor of Safe Grad is only part of what the Nova Scotia Liquor Commission does on an ongoing basis to promote responsible drinking," said Mr. Rogers. The liquor commission proudly supports groups like Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Bacchus Canada (an alcohol-awareness organization targeting post-secondary students), and Blue Thunder, a Halifax police rock band with a musical message on the dangers of alcohol and drugs.

The liquor commission also supports Crime Stoppers and co-ordinates efforts with regional police and RCMP forces to set up stakeouts in suspected areas where adults may be buying for minors. A recent RCMP stakeout in the Cape Breton area resulted in five people charged with procuring liquor for minors and two with illegal possession.

"Buying alcohol for minors is illegal and irresponsible," said Mr. Rogers. Adults caught buying liquor for minors face possible jail time and a fine of up to $1,000. "Our message is simple: Don't buy for minors."