W.Va Targeting Underage Drinking

The West Virginia Governor’s Highway Safety Program and the West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Administration are uniting with local law enforcement agencies to conduct statewide enforcement operations throughout the month of May aimed at reducing the access of alcohol to those who are underage.

During the months of May and June, many high school students are celebrating graduations and attending proms. Unfortunately, during this festive time, some students fall prey to the lure of alcohol, never considering or planning on its dramatic and oftentimes tragic effects. Car crashes, alcohol poisoning, fights, vandalism, sexual assaults and other crimes can all begin with the irresponsible and illegal use of alcohol.

Alcohol-related crashes, deaths and DUIs occur at an alarming rate and are the leading cause of death among people 16 to 21 years old.

To educate the public and to ensure compliance among businesses that serve and sell alcohol, various enforcement operations will be scheduled at ABCA-licensed establishments. Funding for the project is provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration through a grant administered by the Governor’s Highway Safety Program.

Officials encourage parents to engage in a frank discussion with their children about the dangers of alcohol and to make them aware of criminal penalties that may result from the illegal consumption of alcohol.

For more information, contact Natalie Harvey at 304-926-3836, Gig Robinson at 304-558-2481 or gary.l.robinson@wv.gov.