(BOISE) – Liquor store purchases across Idaho will look a little different this holiday season as the annual youth-led “Sticker Shock” public awareness campaign starts Friday, Nov. 29.
The effort represents an ongoing partnership between the Idaho Office of Drug Policy (ODP) and the Idaho State Liquor Division (ISLD). Students from local community and school-based student groups are working with participating ISLD stores to spread “Sticker Shock” waves across Idaho by placing eye-catching stickers on the brown paper bags customers use to carry their purchases. Their goal is to deter adults who might be willing to buy alcohol for or make alcohol available to youth under 21.
The message, “Ensure Brighter Futures: Never Provide Alcohol to Minors,” is intended to bring attention to the issue of underage drinking and deter adults from providing alcohol to minors especially during what can be a high-risk time of year.
The Sticker Shock campaign urges adults to do their part to reduce youth’s access to alcohol while supporting safe and healthy choices. Underage drinking is a community concern and the most effective way to address it is through community involvement.
“Local student-driven ‘Stick ’em On’ events provide a perfect opportunity to engage and educate our youth about the dangers of underage drinking. We are grateful to all the community organizations for their ongoing participation in this event,” ODP Director Marianne King said.
“The ISLD is charged under law to responsibly sell alcohol to Idahoans 21 years and older who choose to drink. We have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to anyone who purchases alcohol and then illegally provides it to minors,” ISLD Director Andrew Arulanandam said. “We encourage all Idaho communities to join us in helping curb underage consumption as the pain of someone getting hurt and altering the course of a young person’s life may endure forever.”