Cheers Summer 2023 | Page 48

As 2022 drew to a close , the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission ( OLCC ) reminded consumers about the dangers of driving while under the influence . The OLCC partnered with Rethink the Drink , a campaign addressing overconsumption , created by the Oregon Health Authority ( OHA ). Along with this campaign , the OLCC worked with the OHA and the Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission ( ADPC ) to create a liquor minimum pricing policy . This policy was enacted in 2021 ; it raised the cost of high-proof ( 112-plus ), low-cost ( bottom-shelf ) liquor items .

“ We ’ re going to continue to find ways to coordinate with OHA and ADPC to improve public health and safety , looking for innovative solutions like minimum floor pricing ,” commented Steve Marks , OLCC Executive Director , of the new policy . “ That was a win-win situation that brought national recognition to Oregon while decreasing sales of bottom shelf liquor .”

In Michigan , underage substance use is targeted with the Talk Sooner campaign , a resource encouraging parents to “ make the chatter matter ” while taking the family on road trips . The Michigan Department of Transportation ( MDOT ) has spearheaded this program , hanging up posters at reststops and gas stations around the state . The Talk Sooner campaign comes as reports of usage increase among young people .

“[ A ] car ride offers a lot of different ways to handle difficult conversations . You don ’ t have to have direct eye contact . Sometimes you can do that side-eye when they ’ re next to you ,” explained Arbor Circle Prevention Manager Vicki Kavanaugh , in a recent press release . “ But it ’ s more important that they see and hear you asking these questions .”

“ Kids are vaping ; kids are experimenting with all kinds of drugs and alcohol ,” said MDOT Communication Representative John Richard . “ So , if they know how dangerous they are , it ’ s really important . And you ’ ve got to tell them that they make you feel great sometimes , but in the long run , they will destroy your lives and they destroy your families too .”

The Idaho State Liquor Division ( ISLD ) launched a campaign led by student volunteers aimed at educating youth and parents about the dangers of underage drinking . These volunteers place stickers on the bags that customers use to carry their purchases out of the store . Each sticker proclaims , “ Think Twice or Pay the Price .” According to the ISLD , the message of these stickers is , “ If you provide alcohol to minors , you could face up to $ 1,000 in fines and up to one year in jail .”

“ We know that 42.2 % of Idaho youth who drink underage usually obtain alcohol by someone giving it to them , including through adults 21 and older who can purchase it legally ,” said Nicole Fitzgerald , administrator of the Idaho Office of Drug Policy , in a press release about the campaign . “ We are excited about this campaign , and encourage Idaho adults to join us in keeping Idaho kids alcohol-free this holiday season .”

Division Administrator Jeff Anderson weighed in as well , commenting , “ The Idaho State Liquor Division is proud to support this worthwhile effort that ’ s of great benefit to the entire Gem State . We know that underage drinking doesn ’ t start with a drink ; it starts with an excuse by adults – the excuses they make when they think it ’ s harmless to provide beverage alcohol to underage people . ‘ We did it when we were young ’, ‘ It ’ s just beer .’ We ’ ve all heard the excuses . The bottom line is it ’ s not OK to give alcohol to people under 21 .”

8 Drink Responsibly 2023