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The Distilled Spirits Council fully recognizes the seriousness of underage drinking, the complexity of the problem, and the importance of supporting effective, evidence-based initiatives to address the issue. Working together, the beverage alcohol industry, government, individuals, and private organizations are making progress in combating underage drinking. In fact, underage drinking is near its lowest point since 1974 when data were first collected. The distilled spirits industry, through its public education, social responsibility programs and legislative advocacy, is proud to have been a part of this progress. However, despite significant progress over the past 20 years, underage drinking is a complex problem that persists in communities across the nation. A combination of effective penalties such as administrative license revocation and comprehensive enforcement, coupled with public education efforts will enhance each community’s efforts to reduce underage drinking.
Continuing Progress
- From 1982 to 2003, the percentage of high school seniors who reported drinking the month before being interviewed declined by 32%, and the number of students in grades 6 to 12 who reported drinking alcohol in the last year has reached an all time record low.
- During the last 14 years, the alcohol-related traffic fatalities among people under 21 years of age have declined by 56%.
- The Distilled Spirits Council is committed to continued progress in reducing underage drinking and has helped to improve laws in 13 states over the last two years.
More to Be Done...
- A May 2003 study conducted by Teenage Research Unlimited, found that 65% of people between the ages of 10 and 18 who had consumed alcohol in the past year report obtaining it from family and friends. DISCUS supports tougher penalties - such as stiffer fines and administrative license revocation - against adults who knowingly provide alcohol to those under the legal drinking age.
- Parents Play a Crucial Role: A study reported in the February 2001 issue of Health Education and Behavior, suggests that parental involvement is associated with a 67% less likelihood of drinking. Roper polls have confirmed this conclusion by identifying parents as the largest influence over their children’s decision to drink or not drink.
- Law Enforcement Needs the Right Tools: Officials need the right laws to enforce. In addition to consumption laws, there must also be consequences for underage persons who possess, purchase, or attempt to possess or purchase alcohol, as well as those who use fraudulent identification to obtain alcohol.
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