Taskforce Highlights Underage Drinking Problem in Marion County

Nineteen of the forty-seven businesses tested in the compliance check sold alcohol to a minor.

Salem-News.com

(SALEM) - While most teens say no to alcohol and illicit drugs, the pressure is on during times when there is cause for celebration (such as spring break, prom and graduation).

For this reason, CERV (Committed Enforcement and Responsible Vendors) taskforce members organized a multi-jurisdictional operation throughout Marion County during Spring Break the week of March 23rd -30th, 2007.

This two-part operation included the utilization of underage drinking party dispersal techniques and the enforcement of minor alcohol sales through compliance checks.

On Friday, March 23rd, CERV officers from Stayton, Woodburn Police Departments, Marion County Sheriffs Office, and Oregon Liquor Control Commission successfully dispersed an underage drinking party in Woodburn where thirty-five (35) minors received MIP’s (Minor in Possession citation), and one adult was cited with furnishing alcohol to minors.

A successful dispersal includes not only enforcement of underage drinking laws through citations but also an additional component ensuring youth arrive home safely after the party is closed down.

On Friday, March 30th, CERV officers from Keizer, Stayton, Woodburn Police Departments, Marion County Sheriffs Office, and Oregon Liquor Control Commission taskforce members conducted various compliance checks throughout Marion County.

In a compliance test, a volunteer attempts to buy alcohol from licensees or their employees to determine if they are properly checking identification and obeying state law prohibiting alcohol sales to anyone under 21.

The minors are supervised by OLCC inspectors or other law officers, carry their own legal ID and are advised not to disguise their age or encourage the sale of alcohol.

Nineteen of the forty-seven businesses tested in the compliance check sold alcohol to a minor, resulting in a 41% sales rate (compared to the statewide average of 25 percent).

The purpose of these compliance checks is to remind licensees of their duty to ensure alcohol is kept out of the hands of minors.

Training for store clerks, service permit holders and others on ID checking, identifying false identification and laws regarding minors and alcohol is offered through OLCC.

CERV, a collaborative partnership between Salem, Keizer, Woodburn, Stayton Police Departments, Marion County Sheriffs Office, OLCC, Willamette University, Community Action Drug Prevention Network and Marion County Health Department, was formed in 2003 to protect our communities from the dangers of underage drinking and the residual effects it causes.

For more information on this effort, call Lisa Miller at (503) 585-6232.