Working together to prevent underage drinking

Since 1991, underage drinking among our nation’s youth has been cut in half, while at the same time high school seniors are reporting all time high disapproval levels of binge drinking and record low levels of alcohol availability. Over the past ten years, 3.25 million fewer 12- to 20-year-olds report they have consumed alcohol in the past month.

The Champions of Responsibility Reception and Awards Dinner celebrated the significant progress that has been made in reducing the rates of underage drinking and the efforts of communities, businesses and individuals across the country who have been working tirelessly to prevent underage drinking. The award was designed to recognize influential individuals or companies who have demonstrated leadership and a strong commitment to fighting underage drinking (alcohol consumption) and helping kids to say “no” to underage drinking.

More specifically, nominees and recipients should have a strong track record of working tirelessly in the fight to reduce underage drinking and keep alcohol out of kids’ hands, and whose awareness of the prevalence and risks of underage drinking is essential to continuing the success in preventing underage alcohol access, consumption and high-risk drinking. Companies and individuals may have demonstrated their commitment and leadership through:

• Raising awareness of teens’ access to alcohol and related consequences,
• Providing training for employees, local bars and restaurants in responsible alcohol retailing and beverage service,
• Bringing underage drinking prevention strategies and educational prevention initiatives, treatment and recovery programs and services to their communities,
• Engaging with parents to take actions to speak with their children and prevent underage drinking, and/or
• Making the prevention of underage drinking a top priority at the local, state or national level.

The event honored Richard “Rick” Birt, President and CEO of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and Master Police Officer Dimitrios “Jim” Mastoras of Arlington Police Department. Birt began his career as a SADD Student of the Year and went on to work in traffic safety, ultimately returning to SADD as Executive Vice President before his most recent promotion to head up the organization celebrating more than 30-years in operation. Birt also leads the SADD National Youth Leadership Councils. Arlington’s Master Police Officer Mastoras, serving honorably for over 22 years, developed and implemented the first restaurant accreditation program in the U.S. –  the Arlington Restaurant Initiative (ARI) – with the goal of reducing alcohol related incidents. ARI focuses on effective practices and policies to help restaurants comply with the law and increase economic viability. The strategies Mastoras has implemented have been recognized by the US Department of Justice, and he has even authored a DOJ COPS Office toolkit titled, The Arlington Restaurant Initiative – A Nightlife Strategy to Improve Safety and Economic Viability. Mastoras’ work has helped to create awareness and share best practices, and is now used by departments across the U.S.

“WSWA members have a longstanding commitment to responsibility efforts in their communities just as our supplier partners have. Together, wholesalers and suppliers can harness the power of collective action and really make a positive impact on society,” said Michelle Korsmo, President and CEO of WSWA. “The Champions of Responsibility dinner reaffirms the group’s partnership and dedication to responsibility, as well as to celebrate and recognize tonight’s awardees for their outstanding work and impact,” she added.