New Hampshire Initiative Addresses Underage
Drinking
New Hampshire is developing a comprehensive plan aimed at reducing
underage drinking, the Manchester Union Leader reported June 6.
The plan calls for new enforcement efforts, public-awareness campaigns,
a party-host law, and a statewide strategy group to curb underage
drinking.
New Hampshire officials said the effort is needed because underage
drinking is costing the state more than $200 million a year in crashes,
injuries, property crime, violence, and alcohol treatment.
State officials estimate that in 2001, underage drinkers consumed
17.5 percent of all alcohol sold in the state.
This summer, the state's Bureau of Enforcement will conduct a "Buyer
Beware" campaign that informs adults of the criminal penalties
they face for providing alcohol to anyone under 21 or hosting an
underage drinking party.
Also this summer, police departments plan to enhance compliance
checks and enforcement.
Clark Corson, a lobbyist for the New Hampshire Wholesale Beverage
Association, said parents play a key role in stopping underage drinking.
"People have got to stop, they've got to take the blinders
off and begin to address this problem verbally with their own children,
as catalysts to influence other children," he said. "And
if we can reverse the peer pressure to the advantage of safety and
responsible consumption, we will have accomplished a great beginning."
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