Department of Liquor Control Stresses Underage Drinking Prevention to Local Students

For Immediate Release: Monday, April 23, 2012

Representatives from Montgomery County’s Department of Liquor Control (DLC), Montgomery County Police and the Keeping It Safe Coalition visited St. Mary’s School in Rockville today in an effort to raise community awareness on the dangers of underage drinking.

The event, sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, was intended to help prevent and reduce underage alcohol use. Hundreds of similar events are taking place around the country.

“Students in grades 5 – 8 and their parents were given the opportunity to ‘ask the experts’ questions, voice concerns or suggest ideas for preventing young people from using alcohol,” said DLC Division Chief Kathie Durbin. “Research indicates that families exert a great deal of influence on whether a child chooses to drink alcohol. Many parents find it difficult to know how or when to start a conversation with their children about underage drinking. We hope the students come away from this event feeling empowered to start the conversation at home.”

According to a 2008 study from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about one in 20 eighth graders (5.4%) reported being drunk during the preceding month. Nearly one out of every seven 10th graders (14.4%) and about two out of every seven 12th graders (27.6%) reported being drunk at least once during the preceding month.

For more information, contact Kathie Durbin at 240-777-1917.

Release ID: 12-102
Media Contact: Kathie Durbin 240-777-1917