Sen. Singleton, Asm. Conaway Partner with BCCHC’s Countywide ‘Sticker Shock’ Event to Prevent Underage Drinking

Moorestown, NJ – To discourage and prevent underage drinking, Senator Troy Singleton and Assemblyman Herb Conaway are partnering with the Burlington County Coalition for Healthy Communities (BCCHC) for a countywide “Sticker Shock” event on Saturday, June 15. The “sticker shock” event will take place at four liquor stores throughout Burlington County from 9:30 a.m. through noon.

The BCCHC is launching the Sticker Shock campaign to educate adults in the area, reminding them not to purchase alcohol for minors. The stickers are designed to be placed on multi-packs of alcoholic beverages typically purchased for underage use. In addition to the stickers, stores are given the option of placing a sign, identical to the sticker but larger, in the window or at the checkout counter.

“As the summer months are approaching, we must remind everyone that it is illegal to purchase alcohol for minors,” said Senator Singleton. “These stickers are a simple and easy way to remind customers that they should never purchase alcohol for someone who is underage.”

“According to the NIH’s National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, each year, about 5,000 young people in the U.S. under age 21 die as a result of underage drinking.  This includes 1,900 deaths from vehicle crashes, 1,600 as a result of homicides, 300 from suicide and hundreds from other injuries such as falls, burns and drownings.  This event signifies our commitment to emphasize the harm associated with underage drinking,” said Assemblyman Conaway.

The Sticker Shock campaign is part of a cooperative effort between the BCCHC, the Riverfront Coalition, the Municipal Alliances in Bordentown Township/City, Burlington City, Florence, RCASA (Westampton, Eastampton, Lumberton, Hainesport and Mount Holly), the New Jersey Liquor Store Alliance, and the legislators’ offices.  The students involved in the Sticker Shock campaign hope to raise awareness among adults who may consider purchasing alcohol for someone who is underage. They are hoping that this project will engage adults and get them to think twice about providing alcohol to anyone under 21.

“The purpose of Sticker Shock campaign is to raise awareness among adults in the community,” said Marc Romano, Coordinator of the BCCHC.  “The youth involved with this campaign are very dedicated and concerned that adults readily provide alcohol to their underage peers and they do not want this practice to continue.”

Assemblyman Conaway, volunteers from the partner organizations, as well as students from local high schools, will be at the following locations:

9:30 a.m.         Burlington City, Roger Wilco Liquor Store

10:15 a.m.       Florence, Florence Wine and Liquor

11:00 a.m.       Bordentown, Boyd’s Liquors

11:45 a.m.       Lumberton, Liquor Mart – Lumberton Plaza

The BCCHC has been conducting Sticker Shock events in various towns around the county since 2012. This will be the first countywide event. Their hope is to also bring this campaign into other area towns and possibly partner with other Alliances and youth organizations.