Don't Buy For Minors Campaign

The Nova Scotia Liquor Commission is conducting its successful Don't Buy For Minors campaign again this year. It's being officially launched Thursday, June 17.

The program discourages sales of alcohol to minors and deters second-party purchases. During the campaign, liquor store staff conduct aggressive ID checks. Staff undergo training and promote the campaign by wearing buttons that say: You Can Save a Kid's Life. As well, newspaper ads and posters in stores promote responsible use of alcohol.

The Don't Buy For Minors campaign enjoyed considerable success last year. Staff at liquor stores asked more than 23,000 customers for legal identification and turned away more than 3,500 minors as a result.

Staff also questioned customers suspected of buying alcohol for minors. This was accomplished by identifying customers who returned to liquor stores two or three times nightly to buy large quantities of alcohol.

"Buying alcohol for minors is illegal and irresponsible," said Bruce Rogers, executive director of retail services. "Anyone convicted of buying alcohol for minors faces possible jail time and a fine of up to $1,000. Our message is simple: Don't buy for minors.

"We intend to continue this campaign annually, as part of the Nova Scotia Liquor Commission's duty to sell alcohol in a responsible fashion. We do not take underage drinking lightly."

The campaign is timed to support Safe Grad activities this month. The Safe Grad program demonstrates that teens can enjoy high school graduation activities without drinking.

"Sponsoring Safe Grad has proven to be an effective part of our commitment to responsible drinking," said Mr. Rogers.