Drink Responsibly 2024 | Page 5

each other and enjoying alcoholic beverages and all our time together . The work that we do embodies all of this .
BD : What ’ s the best way for parents to discuss the dangers of underage drinking with their children ? LK : Education is the key to keeping kids safe . As soon as your child asks , ‘ What ’ s that ?’ or ‘ Can I have a sip ?’ relating to alcohol , it ’ s time to start the conversations . Conversations plural ! And as kids grow , the conversations grow , too .
I think the most important thing is to be respectful — kids are smart . They are always listening and learning from what they see , especially from parents . So , if you model responsible behaviors around alcohol , then they will grow up with the knowledge that alcohol is for adults and not kids .
They will not be confused by ‘ mommy juice ’, or think that alcohol is a coping mechanism for stress or an escape . All of this is critically important . But there is no one way to do it . It ’ s a process , but one that we should all take seriously as parents .
BD : What ’ s next for Responsibility . org ? RH : Part of what we do is we keep moving forward . We will continue working to eliminate underage drinking , eliminate drunk and impaired driving , and make sure adults are consuming alcohol responsibly . But we want the education to continue . We want our roads to be safer . We want every
decision about alcohol to be an informed one . For 2024 , Responsibility . org released a new strategic plan that will take us through the next five years .
We will be listening , learning , and evaluating how we can be a voice in the hospitality space — both for patrons and employees . We will also speak with experts in the field of mental health so we can work on programming and messaging with that sensitive topic in mind .
BD : How can more organizations / companies / individuals in the alcohol industry better promote safe alcohol practices ? LK : We see ourselves as leaders , yes , but also as conveners , and collaborators . If there are organizations looking for resources about alcohol and responsibility , we are more than happy to work together to receive and share the best information possible . RH : Another way that we want everyone to jump in is by participating in the We Don ’ t Serve Teens campaign at wedontserveteens . com . This is a project for parents , communities , coalitions , retailers , manufacturers — everyone — to take responsibility to never serve , supply , or sell alcohol to anyone below the legal drinking age . It ’ s not only illegal , but it ’ s also irresponsible and unsafe .
This interview was condensed and edited for publication .

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