Macon sticker campaign combats underage drinking

MACON, Georgia – A survey from River Edge Behavioral Health shows almost 90 percent of 13-year-olds in East Macon have had their first alcoholic drink. The organization is partnering with Volunteer Macon to combat the problem.

If you think you’re going to buy alchohol at the Citgo on Emery Highway without an ID, think again.

“That’s the first rule. Regardless if you know or don’t know, you have to ID them. If they can not provide it, I simply say, I am sorry we can not give you cigarettes, beer, anything,” explains Assistant Store Manager Nirvika Desai.

Desai has seen people try to get others to buy it for them if she turns them down.

“People do ask other people, oh, will you buy this for me? If we’re in the store we just say I’m sorry, I can’t do that. Unfortunately, if they go outside and then come back, I can not stop that,” continues Desai.

She hopes new stickers in the cooler windows will help.

“It is illegal to purchase alcohol for minors and there are legal ramifications for doing so,” says Shanta Moore from River Edge Behavioral Health.

The organization and Volunteer Macon have put the campaign together. Stickers will go on cooler and car windows, as well as the bags people put alcohol in to leave the store. The stickers say “providing alcohol to persons under 21 years of age is illegal in the State of Georgia; Punishable by a fine up to $1,000 and up to 12 months in jail!”

“When the consumer leaves out of the store, the adult consumer has their alcohol, but they also have the message,” comments Moore.

Moore said it’s dangerous to drink underage because the brain is not fully developed until 25.

“We’re crippling their ability to excel and do well. We want to prevent that,” adds Moore.

Those who choose to give alcohol to people underage can be punished with a thousand dollar fine or up to a year in jail. To find out how you can get involved in the campaign, call Shanta Moore at River Edge Behavioral Health at 478-803-7664.