Don't Buy for Minors Campaign

As the days become shorter and students are back in school, the Nova Scotia Liquor Commission is reminding everyone that its Don't Buy for Minors campaign continues.

Communicating the dangers involved in underage drinking and buying alcohol for minors is a year-round responsibility.

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

To increase awareness of the underage drinking problem and to deter second-party purchases, the commission aggressively promotes its Don't Buy for Minors campaign. Staff support the campaign by wearing buttons, displaying posters in stores, and sponsoring advertisements.

The ID Check Program conducted in liquor stores during June and July resulted in 51,413 people being checked for identification and 4,173 sales refused. Liquor store staff continue to challenge purchases that are suspected to be for minors and refuse any customers suspected of buying for minors.

"This campaign is only part of what the liquor commission does throughout the year to promote responsible drinking," said Mr. Rogers.

The liquor commission also supports programs such as:

• Safe Grad;
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving;
• Plan Ahead to Get Home Safe - a program involving NS school
  students and their messages to adults on being responsible
  about alcohol;
• Ride Free - a Halifax/Dartmouth Metro Transit program that
  allows the public to ride the bus free on New Year's Eve;
• 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.

The commission also supports the regional police and 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."