Alcohol and enforcement officials join in Underage Alcohol Prevention Campaign

With prom season underway and graduation celebrations quickly approaching, the Delaware Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement is launching a public education and enforcement campaign to help prevent underage drinking by keeping alcohol out of the hands of young people.

The Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement (DATE) has partnered with the Delaware Asian American Business Association (DAABA), the Delaware Alcoholic Beverage Wholesale Association and liquor licensees throughout the state to get the word out to the community that purchasing or providing alcohol to minors is not only wrong - it’s against the law.

“Every year we hear stories of underage drinking on prom night, sometimes with horrific outcomes.  This is a time for celebration, not tragedy,” said DATE Director John Yeomans.  “Statistics show that Prom-Graduation season is the most dangerous time for teens. One-third of the alcohol-related traffic fatalities involving teens each year occur during those months.”

Through the use of billboards and other promotional materials in liquor stores, bars and restaurants throughout Delaware, our citizens will be reminded of the criminal consequences for providing alcohol to minors. Today, DATE Agents went to Brandywine Liquors in Wilmington, Liquor Depot in Dover and Pacific Wine and Spirits in Rehoboth where members of the Delaware Asian American Business Association joined together to kick off the campaign.

“Our message is clear. Buying alcohol for minors is a crime. We are working with DATE to remain vigilant to prevent alcohol from falling into the hands of a minor,” said Paleah Gupta, president of the Delaware Asian American Business Association.

The partnership between DATE, DAABA, NKS Distributors, Standard Distributing, United Distributors and Southern Wine Distributors and liquor licensees statewide exemplify the seriousness of underage alcohol consumption and the importance of reminding the public that providing alcohol to anyone under the age of 21 regardless of the circumstances is illegal.

The Buyer Beware campaign is funded through an Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) grant. DATE is the designated state agency for the administration of the grant.