Graduation and Drinking Should
NOT Go Hand In Hand For Minors
State Supervisor warns industry and parents of dangers
JEFFERSON CITY, May 18, 2006-As high school and college
graduations approach and party planning is in high gear, State Supervisor
for Alcohol and Tobacco Control Pete Lobdell reminds bartenders and
wait staff that all youthful-looking persons must be carded to verify
they are 21 and legal to consume alcohol.
College towns present unique challenges to law enforcement
and Division Agents. During this time of year, various student organizations
in Missouri’s colleges and universities have social programs
at off-campus restaurants, bars, and wineries that are licensed to
serve alcohol.
“Law enforcement alone cannot combat the issue
of underage drinking,” Lobdell said. “Parents and communities
need to work together to increase awareness and educate our young
people on the consequences of illegal drinking before they turn into
embarrassing situations that involve arrests of minors, arrests of
servers, and violation citations issued to licensees.”
The Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control regularly conducts server
training seminars and educational classes in hope of fostering responsible
behavior among the alcohol industry and consumers.
Currently Missouri licenses over 22,000 alcohol-serving
establishments. Fines are expensive for both minors caught drinking
and businesses serving them ranging from $300 for a first time offense
up to jail time. Last May ATC Agents arrested 109 minors for possession
(MIP) of alcohol, and last June Agents arrested 199 minors. Statistics
for 2004 show Agents issued 142 MIPs in May and 174 MIPs in June.
Agents issued 172 MIPs in May of 2003 and 96 MIPs in June.