Advocacy and state alcohol control boards: A vital component in a community's efforts to preventing underage drinking

Project Extra Mile is a statewide network of community coalitions in Nebraska working to create a community consensus that clearly states that underage alcohol use is illegal, unhealthy and unacceptable. Since the organization's inception in 1995, coalition members have worked closely with the state's alcohol control board, the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission, to encourage sound public policy to reduce youth access and availability to alcohol. Many alcohol control policies implemented through state alcohol boards have a direct impact on underage alcohol use in communities. Project Extra Mile coalitions have addressed a number of these policies, including responsible alcohol beverage service training, the classification of products known as Flavored Alcoholic Beverages, the regulation of “Zippers” gelatin shots and the AWOL (Alcohol Without Liquid) device, alcohol outlet density and administrative penalties for retail outlets that sell alcohol to minors. Project Extra Mile successfully lead the way and advocated for a state law restricting the ability of retailers with multiple violations from selling alcohol to minors to “buy out” of suspensions through a cash penalty. The coalition monitors monthly Liquor Control Commission hearings, provides technical assistance to neighborhood associations with liquor licensing issues and works with community members to ensure that establishments that repeatedly sell alcohol to minors are held appropriately accountable. This presentation will highlight how community members and organizations can identify and become involved in strategies to prevent underage alcohol use through involvement with their state alcohol control boards.