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Law Enforcement, Beverage Alcohol Industry, Concerned Citizens Join Forces in Statewide Campaign to Curb Underage Drinking Tennesseans Against Teen Drinking is Outgrowth of National Initiative to Educate Public About Dangers of Teen Drinking and Enforce Laws to Prevent It NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Statewide law enforcement, the beverage alcohol industry, advocacy groups and concerned citizens have come together to form Tennesseans Against Teen Drinking, a coalition dedicated to raising awareness of the dangers of underage drinking throughout the state, informing adults of their role in curbing underage drinking, and supporting state and local efforts to enforce laws controlling access of alcohol to teenagers. “Those of us who enforce the laws of this state know too well the consequences associated with underage drinking,” said Shelby County Sheriff Mark Luttrell. “In young hands, alcohol is a very dangerous product. We must do everything in our power to protect our children and their future.” Tennesseans Against Teen Drinking is an outgrowth of the national We Don’t Serve Teens program, an effort of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), industry leaders, law enforcement and public officials to curb underage drinking by reminding adults that serving minors is illegal, unhealthy and unsafe. Last year, members of the beverage alcohol industry, law enforcement and public officials across the state joined together in an awareness raising campaign about the dangers of teenage drinking. The statewide organization, Tennesseans Against Teen Drinking, evolved from that effort. Tennesseans Against Teen Drinking is supported by the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of Tennessee (WSWT), the Tennessee Malt Beverage Association, the Tennessee Wine and Spirits Retailers Association, the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police (TACP) and sheriffs across the state. Hundreds of concerned citizens have already begun registering at the organization's new website http://www.stopteendrinkingtn.org. Some of the first initiatives Tennesseans Against Teen Drinking has undertaken is distributing point of purchase materials to restaurants and retailers throughout the state warning against teen drinking; and raising awareness among citizens and schools about the dangers that the direct shipping of alcohol poses to underage drinkers. “The problem of underage drinking is only becoming more serious, negatively impacting the physical, emotional and social health of our young people,” said Thomas Bernard, president of Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of Tennessee. “As an industry, we are central to this fight. We have been in this business for years and understand our product better than anyone. Our livelihoods are closely connected to ensuring that our product is used appropriately and that the laws governing it are tightly controlled. The last thing we want is for young people to be injured or otherwise damaged because of beverage alcohol.” The pervasiveness of alcohol abuse among America’s underage population is growing and its impact is alarming. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism of the National Institutes of Health, 25 percent of 12th- graders, 22 percent of 10th-graders and 11 percent of eighth-graders have consumed alcohol. In addition, the age of first use is declining with recent studies finding that more than one-fourth of 14-year-olds have consumed alcohol in the last year. Recent figures from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration show that alcohol plays a role in more than 30 percent of all Tennessee teen traffic fatalities. Alcohol abuse among youth also can lead to academic failure, risky sexual behavior, and an increased risk of developing an alcohol problem in the future. “Underage drinking touches us all,” said Kim Wallace, president of Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police. “Laws are passed and enforced to protect and provide a safer community for our citizens. Law enforcement knows all too well the dangers of alcohol in the hands of adults, let alone children. Our society expects us to protect their children and enforce the law. Their lives depend on it.” Tennesseans Against Teen Drinking is committed to maintaining the moderation, regulation and control of alcohol products in the state. The group will oppose state or federal legislation that increases access of teenagers to alcohol products. For more information about underage drinking and Tennesseans Against Teen Drinking, visit http://www.stopteendrinkingtn.org. -30- Vd |