Jamie Stafford

Alcohol Awareness Month . Programs aim to educate consumers and provide clarity on the dangers of overconsumption . The alcohol industry has an increased responsibility to advance these efforts . While control states highlight responsible consumption , State- Ways magazine highlights the way these states work towards a safer and well-informed consumer audience .

Utah ’ s governor officially declared April Alcohol Awareness Month in Utah . “ The state of Utah is committed to promoting healthy families and reducing the harmful effects of alcohol consumption ,” said Governor Spencer Cox . In tandem with this proclamation , Utah ’ s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control announced two new programs aimed at reducing excessive consumption .

The New Hampshire Liquor Commission ( NHLC ) got started on Alcohol Awareness Month early by bringing back Mocktail Month during January of 2023 . NHLC has teamed up with Brown-Forman brands and 40 local New Hampshire restaurants to feature alcohol-free options on the menu . As part of the initiative , the NHLC also launched an online recipe guide for consumers who preferred to drink from the comfort of their home .

“ Responsible consumption is of the utmost importance to NHLC ,” said NHLC Chairman Joseph Mollica in a press release about the initiative . “ The demand for delicious alcohol-free options continues to grow , and New Hampshire Mocktail Month is a creative and interactive way to help build a more inclusive drinking culture throughout the state .”

This was just one project among many that the NHLC spearheaded in order to encourage responsible consumption . The organization also hosts an annual poster contest , open to elementary and high school students . The Alcohol Awareness Poster Contest aims to inform students about the dangers of drinking while under the influence .

The DABC is sponsoring the state ’ s first-ever mocktail competition , which will take place as a part of the Park City Restaurant Association Cocktail Competition . According to the organization , the goal for the mocktail competition is to “ allow skilled bartenders to showcase their skills making alcohol-free drinks and demonstrate to the public that designated drivers , people under the age of 21 , and anyone wanting to consume less or no alcohol can also enjoy fun , refreshing drinks as alternatives to alcoholic beverages .”

The organization is also sponsoring statewide law enforcement Trace Trainings . Police are trained to investigate where an individual has engaged in “ excessive consumption ” prior to driving . The DABC asserts that the training is meant to give law enforcement tools to identify which bars and restaurants have a pattern of over-serving customers so those dangerous practices can be remedied .

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