May 12, 2008 10:47 am
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Editor, Daily Press:
Reducing underage drinking has to involve creating community environments that discourage access to and use of alcohol.
I am extremely proud of Tahlequah’s youth-led 2Much2Lose group as they presented a social host ordinance to be adopted by our City Council. These young people are turning knowledge into action.
Underage drinking is Oklahoma’s and Cherokee County’s number one youth drug problem. Alcohol is easy for youth to obtain, especially in social settings.
Many adults support or ignore underage drinking, considering it a “rite of passage” or “harmless.” There is no safe or legal way for youth to consume alcohol.
Social host laws provide law enforcement with a powerful tool in preventing and stopping underage drinking parties dispersing them safely and holding the host accountable.
We must limit youth access to alcohol by targeting the major sources of alcohol to minors.
Janet Petty,
Bill Willis Prevention Coordinator
Park Hill
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