September 2, 2022
| The demand for this statewide educational and public awareness initiative created by the Alabama ABC Board to discourage and stop underage drinking and binge drinking continues to grow each year. During the school year 2021-2022, the Alabama ABC Board conducted 104 “Under Age – Under Arrest” programs throughout the state. Approximately 24,000 students attended the programs. Since the program began in 2013, nearly 175,000 Alabama students have been reached. The program includes presentations at middle, junior high, and high schools and colleges about the dangers, legal consequences and social costs of underage and binge drinking. The initiative also includes electronic and printed materials for students, social media targeted at teenagers and young adults, and coordination with the media across the state to highlight the causes and negative impact of underage drinking. The ABC Board partners with anti-drinking organizations, including Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), and American Character Builders, to assist school counselors and administrators in spreading the message about the dangers of underage drinking. The “Under Age, Under Arrest” campaign utilizes the expertise of other groups, organizations, institutions, state agencies and individuals in Alabama to help educate students, school personnel, parents and community members. These include the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, state health and education agencies, substance-abuse treatment providers, local law enforcement, children’s groups, colleges, businesses, and faith-based organizations. Thanks in part to a grant from the National Alcoholic Beverage Control Association, the Alabama ABC Board is financially able to provide this educational and public awareness program free of charge. |
