Shoulder Taps Conducted in Marshall County

The Marshall County Anti-Drug Coalition and the Marshall County Family Resource Network have been teaming up with local law enforcement and youth to prevent youth social access to alcohol. Throughout the past two months, local law enforcement officers have been conducting alcohol shoulder taps at all alcohol retailers in Marshall County. Youth decoys, under the supervision of a law enforcement agent, approach adults outside of retailer locations and ask them to purchase alcohol. If the adult says no, the youths thank him or her for not providing alcohol to minors. However, if the adults says yes, a law enforcement officer joins the youths and explains the shoulder tap program. The officer then outlines the criminal penalties the adult could have faced had he or she been caught purchasing alcohol for minors. The project is in effect now and will continue until the end of May. What are your thoughts on the program? Do you think that this is a good way to help fight substance abuse in Marshall County? Please list your comments below, or contact the Marshall County Anti-Drug Coalition through email at marshallcountyspfsig@comcast.net.