Campaign aims to curb alcohol sales to minors

Twenty-two people who are either 18 or 19 years old will help the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department conduct alcohol merchant compliance checks soon by going to various stores in the county to purchase alcohol.

The goal is to help curb the number of accidents and fatalities related to merchants supplying alcohol to those under the legal drinking age of 21.

The Sheriff's Department has teamed up with the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Council of Jefferson County for the program. The council received a $15,000 grant from the state Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services to conduct a media campaign, and to supply parents with information about underage drinking.

"We can make a big splash, even with a small grant," said Anita K. Seefried-Brown, Alcohol and Substance Abuse Council program director.

Jefferson County Sheriff John P. Burns said the department and council are not "out to get everyone," just to reduce underage drinking and its negative effects.

"If you serve to underage children, it's your fault," he said. "We're trying to stop the accidents."

Ms. Seefried-Brown agreed.

"They're compliance checks, not sting operations," she said.

The checks will begin soon, and have no specific end date.

Last year was the first time the Sheriff's Department and the council teamed up for such an effort. On Aug. 14 alone, of 31 establishments visited, seven made sales to underage customers.

If merchants sell alcohol to someone under the legal drinking age, they'll be charged with endangering the welfare of a minor, Mr. Burns said. They also could face up to a year in jail, and their liquor license could be in jeopardy.

Anyone who is underage caught in possession of alcohol also will be charged.

Meanwhile, merchants who don't sell to underage people will receive a certificate from the Communities That Care Youth Development Coalition of Jefferson County, recognizing them for helping to stop underage drinking and its effects.

Anyone with questions about the campaign can call the Sheriff's Department at 786-2700, or the council at 788-4660.