EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP - members of the Greater Atlantic Partnership (GAP) coalition and youth participants from Stand Up and REBEL Jan. 29 hosted an impactful "Sticker Shock" event in Atlantic County to raise awareness about the dangers and legal consequences of providing alcohol to underage youth. The event is part of ongoing efforts to reduce underage drinking in the region and promote a safer community for all.
The Sticker Shock campaign took place at Joe Canal's Discount Liquor in Egg Harbor Township, where students affixed bright, attention-grabbing stickers to alcoholic beverage products. The stickers carried a crucial message, “Keep it Legal! It’s ILLEGAL to buy alcohol for youth under age 21. The PENALTY is up to 6 Months in Jail + $1000 FINE.”
The risk of underage alcohol consumption is higher during events, such as the Super Bowl and this simple, yet effective reminder is designed to make consumers think twice before offering alcohol to minors by reinforcing the legal repercussions of such actions.
The event is a collaboration between GAP, SUAR, and the Egg Harbor Township Police Department, emphasizing the importance of community policing in keeping youth safe. Local police officers participated in the event, showing their support for the initiative and further solidifying the message of responsibility. The primary goal of this educational campaign is to encourage adults to make responsible choices when it comes to alcohol, while educating young people about the dangers of underage drinking.
“Seeing the sticker could make someone realize how serious the consequences are before they make the decision to buy alcohol for a minor," said Ibraheem, a student from Egg Harbor Township High School and SUAR.
“It’s important to remind people that giving alcohol to teens is not just dangerous, but illegal. This event makes the risks clear and could help prevent underage drinking," said Kaitlyn of the Buena SUAR.
The event serves as an important piece of the larger effort to address underage drinking in Atlantic County. By involving students and engaging the community, the Sticker Shock initiative aims to create lasting awareness and promote accountability. With the continued support of law enforcement, retailers and local families, the hope is to foster a culture of responsibility and reduce alcohol consumption among youth.
The Greater Atlantic Partnership coalition, which is dedicated to substance misuse prevention, is partially funded by a Drug Free Communities grant through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. This ongoing initiative demonstrates the power of community collaboration in keeping Atlantic County’s youth safe.
