Department of Liquor Control Stresses Underage Drinking Prevention to Local Students

For Immediate Release: Monday, April 22, 2013

Representatives from Montgomery County’s Department of Liquor Control (DLC), Montgomery County Police and the Keeping It Safe on Under 21 Alcohol Use Coalition will visit St. Mary’s School in Rockville on Tuesday, April 23 at 1:15 p.m., in an effort to help raise community awareness on the dangers of underage drinking. The school is located at 600 Viers Mill Road.

“Students in grades 5 – 8 and their parents will be 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 2011 study from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than one in 10 (13%) eighth graders reported drinking an alcoholic beverage during the preceding month. Nearly five out of 10 (52%) eighth graders reported binge drinking.

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

Release ID: 13-116
Media Contact: Kathie Durbin 240-777-1917