Sticker Shock

Twice a year, usually during the Holiday Season and Prom and Graduation season, the Raymond Coalition for Youth’s High School Youth Action group elects to participate in the NH Liquor Enforcement Buyers Beware state strategy program called Sticker Shock. This sends an important message to adults about underage drinking.

Underage drinking is an identified area of concern for RCFY and this activity aims to reduce underage drinking by limiting youth access to alcohol. The goal is to spread awareness to adults who might not know that it is illegal to provide alcohol to youth under the age of 21. During our Sticker Shock events, youths place warning stickers on multi-packs of beer, wine coolers and other alcoholic beverages at a local retailer in Raymond, NH. The sticker warns that it is illegal to provide alcohol to minors and is punishable by up to a year in jail and a $2,000 fine.

Project Sticker Shock is a youth-led initiative to change adult attitudes about selling and providing alcohol to minors. “A strong community message is sent when a business like Hannaford takes responsibility for speaking out against underage drinking,” said RCFY's Youth Program Coordinator. “It also helps re-enforce the message to adults in the community that our youth care about each other, and are committed to helping make positive choices when they see them actively participating in initiatives like Sticker Shock around Raymond.” When Youth Action members were asked how they felt about being part of the event, one response was: “It feels good to know that we are part of helping our community to keep kids safe.”

Every 39 minutes, someone dies from an impaired driver in the United States due to an impaired driving accident. Make Safe choices for You and for our Youth.