East Providence Youth Spread Message Ahead of St Patrick’s Day To Not Purchase Alcohol For Minors

East Providence, RI - The East Providence Prevention Coalition (EPPC) collaborated with the East Providence Youth Council (EPYC), who are involved with the Project For Success Grant (PFS) to participate in The Sticker Shock Campaign on Sunday, March 10th, just before St. Patrick’s Day celebrations began. The students were escorted by Youth Coordinator, Bethanie Rado, into local alcohol establishments Jordan’s Liquors, Liquor Plus, Town Wine & Spirits and Clift’s Liquors. These four stores have always supported EPYC’s youth programming and public education, as well as scoring high on state and local compliance checks.

The stickers and hangers placed on the products throughout the store act as “warning” labels to inform the public of the consequences they can face if they provide or purchase alcohol for minors. The message comes in loud and clear when minors are the ones spreading the word and taking action. Parents, older siblings, older friends, etc. are often unaware that they themselves can get into trouble along with the individual that is not of age. Underage drinking is a serious issue and can be harmful to the individual. These four local business owners are extremely receptive and understand the mission behind this project.

Steve Eiland, the PFS Project Coordinator, described the importance of this campaign is “to prevent our youth from consuming alcohol during their developmental stages.” He also relayed information from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, that adults who had their first drink before the age of 15 were seven times more likely to experience alcohol problems than those who had not started drinking before the age of 21.

If your organization is interested in participating in this city-wide initiative kindly contact the East Providence Prevention Coalition via email to brado@eastprovidenceri.gov