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MADD: Teen Access to Alcohol Widespread

July 20, 2005
Teen access to alcohol through illegal purchases at alcohol retail establishments across the country is widespread, according to a study by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

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Marking the 21st anniversary of the 21 minimum drinking age law, teenaged members of the MADD Youth in Action program went undercover in cooperation with law enforcement agencies in 21 cities, including Boston, this past weekend to conduct a national "Night of Compliance."

The Youth in Action teams attempted to make illegal purchases of alcohol to determine the number of retail establishments illegally selling alcohol to those under 21.

The 21 cities conducted a total of 867 checks across the country. Of those, 153 retailers sold alcohol to youth under 21 resulting in an 82 percent compliance rate. Boston conducted 124 compliance checks with 13 violations resulting in a 90 percent compliance rate, above the national average. Honolulu was the only 100 percent compliance site and Seattle held the lowest compliance rate of 57 percent.

"The Night of Compliance gives us a snapshot of the nation's average rate of illegal alcohol sales," says Glynn Birch, MADD national president. "It's not good enough and we must do better. The fact that teens are able to purchase alcohol underage underscores the need for every community to organize a coordinated attack against youth alcohol access."

Since the 21 Minimum Drinking Age Act was passed on July 17, 1984, by President Ronald Reagan, all states have laws prohibiting people under age 21 from purchasing or possessing alcohol beverage products.

However, it is still legal for someone under age 21 to consume alcohol in 14 states, including Massachusetts.

"This anniversary is a tribute to the 21 years of protecting young minds and saving young lives," Birch says. "The national 21 drinking age law is credited with saving an estimated 21,000 young lives, but alcohol remains the drug of choice among the nation's youth and kills more American teens than all other illicit drugs combined."

More than 2,200 15 to 20 year olds were killed in alcohol-related traffic crashes in 2003. Over the past 21 years, there has been a 50 percent drop in the number of 15 to 20 year olds killed in alcohol-related traffic crashes and the number of 15 to 20 year old drinking drivers involved in fatal crashes, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

"While we have made great progress in reducing teen drinking and driving over the past 21 years, it still remains a major threat to teens today," Birch says. "It's not OK to just tell our kids not to drink and drive. The message to all teens is not to drink at all until age 21."

This "Night of Compliance" checks were conducted in Albuquerque, Atlanta, Boston, Clarksville (TN), Clinton Township (MI), Dallas, Denver, Fairfax County (VA), Gwinnett County (GA), Honolulu, Jacksonville, Louisville, Minneapolis, Nashville, Reno, Sacramento, San Angelo (TX), Santa Monica (CA), Seattle, Springfield (IL) and Springfield (MO).

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