The Allen County Multi-Agency Team (ACMAT) coalition joined forces with Allen County students for a unique and impactful campaign called “Sticker Shock.” This campaign aims to discourage adults from purchasing alcohol for minors by placing warning labels on alcohol products.
On March 27, students from Marmaton Valley High School visited stores that sell liquor in Moran. Iola High School students did the same in their community on April 11, followed by Humboldt High School on April 13.
Underage drinking is a serious public health concern in the United States, with significant negative consequences on the physical, emotional, and social well-being of young people. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, about 4,300 deaths among underage youth are caused by excessive alcohol consumption each year, and it is associated with a range of other issues such as risky sexual behavior, impaired judgment, academic problems, and even legal troubles.
The “Sticker Shock” campaign is a proactive effort to tackle this issue at its root by raising awareness among adults about the legal and moral responsibilities associated with providing alcohol to minors. The campaign involves students working with ACMAT and local retailers to place attention-grabbing stickers on alcohol products in stores that contain a warning message: “Buying alcohol for a minor can come with a hefty price. Not only can it buy you a $200 fine, but you can end up with a misdemeanor on your record.”
The “Sticker Shock” campaign has garnered attention and appreciation from the community for its innovative approach to addressing the issue of underage drinking. The campaign aims to create a sense of social responsibility among adults and raise awareness about the legal consequences of providing alcohol to minors. The stickers serve as a visible reminder to both the adults purchasing alcohol and the young people who may be considering consuming it that underage drinking is not only harmful but also illegal.
The “Sticker Shock” campaign also aims to foster a long-term change in social norms related to underage drinking.
Retail partners included Pete’s and The Marmaton Market in Moran; Mildred Store; O’Shaughnessy Liquor, State Street Liquor, G&W Foods in Iola; Our Market, Freedom Liquor and Pete’s in Humboldt.
