A first-ever, national public information campaign to raise awareness about preventing underage access to alcohol was officially launched today by all liquor boards and corporations across Canada.
"Minor Problem - Minors With a Problem, Who cares? We do," is the theme of the national public awareness campaign coordinated by the Canadian Association of Liquor Jurisdictions (CALJ). All 13 provincial and territorial liquor corporations and liquor boards are participating in the campaign. In total, the posters will appear in over 3700 liquor stores across Canada.
In Prince Edward Island, the Liquor Control Commission will display 200 posters in its 20 retail liquor outlets from September to January, 2002.
"The issue of minors attempting to purchase alcohol and adults purchasing alcohol for minors, is a serious one, and a major concern for socially responsible retailers of beverage alcohol," said Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority president Sandra Morgan, who chairs the CALJ national body this year. "We need to get the message across that it is not acceptable for minors to have access to alcohol. By joining together in a national campaign, we hope we can make an impact on the public's awareness of this issue."
"CALJ is represented in each province and territory. As socially-responsible retailers, we feel we have an obligation to educate the public on the issue of minors and alcohol, and do everything we can to prevent minors from accessing alcohol."
By joining the CALJ campaign, the PEI Liquor Control Commission is part of a national movement to put the issue of underage drinking and access to alcohol in the public eye. "The PEI Liquor Control Commission has many year-round programs in place in stores to prevent underage access to alcohol. In joining the CALJ campaign, we continue our commitment to do everything possible to keep alcohol out of the hands of minors," said Greg Deighan, Minister responsible for the Liquor Control Commission.
Last year, the PEI Liquor Control Commission employees challenged more than 23,000 customers and refused service to some 512 people. All Liquor Control Commission retail staff are trained to turn away anyone who is unable to produce acceptable ID appears intoxicated, or is believed to be buying for a minor or intoxicated person. Staff will be stepping up their efforts in this area, so be prepared and bring your ID.