Underage Drinking: Strategies That Work

The most documented principle in alcohol use prevention is this: Make it harder for young people to get alcohol, and they will drink less.

Communities can make alcohol less available by:

   • Promoting responsible adult behavior.

   • Holding adults accountable when they provide alcohol to minors.

   • Putting a lock on home liquor cabinets.

The easiest place to get beer is right next to the milk.  One of the easiest places for kids to get alcohol is right in their own kitchen.

2. Improve the Effectiveness of Law Enforcement

Communities can better enforce policies designed to stop drinking among children and adolescents. Studies find that existing laws that regulate underage drinking are often not enforced. When these laws are ignored, it not only enables young people to drink, but also communicates a general indifference.

Communities can improve enforcement by:

   • Breaking up parties.

   • Training and licensing servers and sellers.

   • Establishing keg registration programs.

   • Conducting compliance checks.

   • Deterring third-party sales.

Children draw conclusions about what is normal from what they see and hear about alcohol in their families and communities. These norms strongly influence their own attitudes and behaviors regarding alcohol. When communities consistently prevent underage access to alcohol, publicize and enforce alcohol-related laws, and limit the promotion of alcohol, they reinforce the message that alcohol use by young people is unacceptable.

Social norms can be changed by:

   • Having a clear, visible school alcohol policy.

   • Offering students feedback about use rates.

   • Removing alcohol promotions (billboards, T-shirts,  
      window promotions) that appeal to children.