Community “Shocked” to Learn Consequences of Providing Alcohol to Youth
The City of Alexandria gave local shoppers a real “shock” by hosting the Project Sticker Shock Campaign on April 22, 2023. This youth-led event kicked off with a press conference at Charles Houston Recreation Center featuring youth, and community leaders speaking up about the importance of preventing access to alcohol by underage youth.
Following the press conference, teams of youth and adults placed warning stickers, provided by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority, on multi-packs of alcohol to highlight the legal consequences of providing alcohol to persons under 21. All participating retail stores received a certificate in recognition of their partnership to prevent underage alcohol access.
This campaign aimed to reach community members ages 21 and older who may purchase alcohol legally and then illegally provide it to a person under age 21 – also referred to as a second-party sale. If a retail employee observes specific activity of a second party, such as passing of money, participation in selection, or bringing the alcoholic beverage to the checkout counter, ID should be requested of the second party. The sale may be legally refused if the second party is under age 21.
In Virginia, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor to provide alcohol to a minor. It is also illegal for anyone to use a fake ID to purchase alcohol. Adults who provide alcohol to persons under age 21 can face the following penalties upon conviction:
- A $2,500 fine for each young person provided an alcoholic beverage
- Up to 12 months in jail
- Loss of driver’s license for up to 12 months.
This event was hosted by the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria (SAPCA), the Alexandria Police Department (APD); the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office; the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS); the Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities (RCPA); and the Alexandria City High School U.S. Army Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program.
Visit alexandriava.gov/SAPCA to learn more about the coalition, including ways to get involved.
To report concerns regarding the sale or provision of alcohol to persons under age 21, call the Alexandria Police Department’s non-emergency number at 703.746.4444 or file a report online to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority.
