IN THE COMMUNITY

What role do you play in your community? Depending on whether you are a business person, policymaker, or concerned citizen, there are many steps you can take to prevent underage alcohol use.

If you own or manage a business in your community, take these steps:

• Implement a written policy concerning the use of alcohol by your employees.

• Identify specific programs offered to employees and families through the workplace that address alcohol use prevention.

• Learn about community programs that address alcohol use prevention and how you can get involved.

• Support efforts taken in your community to limit underage drinking.

• Support schools and agencies providing positive experiences and opportunities for youth.

For resources to use in your community, visit the Retailers page.

• Know what regulations your State, county, or city has to restrict the commercial availability of alcohol to underage customers. Ensure that they are effectively enforced.

• Know what regulations your State, county, or city has to restrict the non-commercial availability of alcohol to underage youth. Ensure that they are effectively enforced.

• Know what regulations your State, county, or city has to prevent youth possession of alcohol. Ensure that they are effectively enforced.

• Promote collaboration among the members of the educational systems, business sector, government, and law enforcement agencies in your State, county, or city to develop and enforce policies and prevention programs related to underage alcohol use.

For resources to use in your community, visit the Policymakers page.

As a concerned citizen, take these steps: 

• Learn how easily children in your community can obtain alcohol. What prevention steps can your community take to prevent or deter underage alcohol use?

• Find out what educational programs and policies your community has in place to prevent children from drinking.

• Initiate "alcohol-free" events in your community.

• Encourage collaboration among public and private schools, community businesses, local government, and the police force to develop and enforce policies and prevention programs related to underage alcohol use.

• Support positive opportunities and activities for youth.

For resources to use in your community, visit the Concerned Citizens page.

For additional information, see Statistics, The Community.