Don't Buy For Minors Campaign Continued

As the days become shorter and schools reopen after the summer break, the Nova Scotia Liquor Commission is reminding everyone that it is important to realize the dangers involved in underage drinking and buying alcohol for minors.

"The responsible use of alcohol means more than just watching how much you drink," said Bruce Rogers, executive director of retail services at the Nova Scotia Liquor Commission. "Alcohol in the hands of minors is a problem the staff of our liquor stores take seriously, and we are committed to doing everything we can to keep underage people from obtaining liquor."

To heighten awareness of the problem of underage drinking and to deter second-party purchases, the commission will continue its Don't Buy for Minors campaign which began in June. The campaign promotes the theme "Alcohol in the hands of kids is not just a minor problem."

As part of the fall campaign, liquor store staff will conduct an aggressive ID check program by challenging purchases that are suspected to be for minors.

The ID check program conducted during the June campaign resulted in the following:

• ID checked: 8,737
• ID refused: 1,088
• suspected purchases for minors: 377
• number refused: 174

Staff will promote the campaign by wearing buttons, displaying posters in stores, and sponsoring advertisements.

"This campaign is only part of what the Nova Scotia Liquor Commission does throughout the year to promote responsible drinking," said Mr. Rogers.

The liquor commission also supports:

• Safe Grads throughout the province
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving
• Bacchus Canada, an alcohol-awareness organization targeting post-secondary students
• Blue Thunder, a Halifax police rock band with a musical message on the dangers of alcohol and drugs
• Crime Stoppers
• regional police and the RCMP in their investigations in suspected areas where adults may be buying for minors

"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."