The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #71327

Yahaira Rodriguez, MA, Puerto Rico Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking, P.O. Box 29132, San Juan, PR 00929-0132, (787) 641-1985 ext. 303, copram@pr.aspira.org

In response to concerns among residents, merchants, and community groups in Puerto Rico about underage drinking, alcohol-related crime and lack of safety in public places, more than 15 municipalities have established Public Codes of Order. These codes regulate and protect the health and welfare of residents through policies on alcohol-related issues, and each code reflects the needs of a specific municipality. Numerous sectors of Puerto Rico society have been involved in the developing and enforcing the ordinances. Examples of policies included in the codes: 1) prohibition of selling alcoholic beverages to minors, 2) requiring alcohol merchants to request age identification for all alcohol sales, 3) prohibition of consumption of alcohol by the driver or the passenger in a motor vehicle, and 4) prohibition of unnecessary or excessive noise. This session will discuss how these local ordinances are used to improve safety, reduce underage drinking and prevent alcohol-related problems in Puerto Rico.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this presentation, audience members will be able to: (
• discuss how local ordinances can be effective tools for improving safety in public places, (
• discuss strategies to enforce existing ordinances, (
• discuss how a community coalition can reduce underage drinking through local ordinances.

Keywords: Alcohol, Public Policy

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.