Youth obtain alcohol from many sources including friends, parents, and other relatives, strangers, stealing it, and purchasing it themselves. One of the risk factors on the 2018 Oklahoma Prevention Needs
Youth obtain alcohol from many sources including friends, parents, and other relatives, strangers, stealing it, and purchasing it themselves.
One of the risk factors on the 2018 Oklahoma Prevention Needs Assessment (OPNA) is the perceived availability of drugs in their community. Thirty percent of all grades surveyed feel drugs are easily obtained in their community. It is important for adults to take the responsibility of preventing access to alcohol for youth.
One form of preventing youth from obtaining alcohol is to ensure local alcohol retailers are not selling to minors.
On June 8, the Drug Free Communities (DFC) Program, Regional Prevention Coordinator (RPC), funded by the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, and the Oklahoma ABLE Commission performed alcohol compliance checks at Okmulgee County alcohol vendors.
During these checks, a youth tried to purchase alcohol from a vendor with an undercover police officer present.
Thirteen outlets were checked in Okmulgee County on that day. One made a sale of alcohol to a youth and one bar/restaurant made a sale of alcohol to a youth. Two outlets were written citations for not having proper license and training.
Adults within Okmulgee County, including alcohol vendors, need to set a clear precedent that alcohol use by minors will not be accepted.
By not allowing youth to have alcohol, it is helping to prevent addiction and other substance abuse issues.
If you are a vendor, who would like to be trained, or have staff trained in Responsible Beverage Service and Sales (RBSS), or if you are a community member who would like to help prevent substance abuse in Okmulgee County, contact DFC Coordinator Kyle Norman or RPC Director Margaret Black at 918-756-1248.
