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Department of Human Services
Department of Human Services

January 8, 2003

Contact: Barbara Cimaglio, Manager DHS Community Prevention Programs (503) 945-6998
Barry Finnemore, Oregon Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking (503) 296-7003 (503) 310-1630 (cell)

New strategies for reducing under-age drinking sent to governor

A variety of strategies aimed at reducing the alarming consequences of under-age drinking, including stricter enforcement, reduced access, stepped-up education and possibly higher prices, were recommended today to Gov. John Kitzhaber.

The report of the 15-member governor-appointed Underage Drinking Task Group said alcohol kills six times more teens than all illegal substances combined, is a factor in half of teen auto fatalities, and is a major contributor to unprotected sex.

" Oregon continues to have a significant problem with under-age drinking and the consequences affect every community in the state," the governor said. "I want to thank the task force for its hard work and for these recommendations that, if implemented, could dramatically reduce under-age drinking and related problems."

Among the panel’s recommendations:

  • Requiring locked displays of alcohol in stores, which would also have separate 21-and-over areas to reduce under-age access;
  • Mandatory alcohol labeling that identifies age requirements and penalties;
  • More strictly enforcing laws against under-age drinking and increasing resources for Oregon Liquor Control Commission enforcement and publicity;
  • Encouraging college presidents to ban under-age drinking on campuses;
  • Supporting community teams and community partners in their efforts to reduce under-age alcohol use;
  • Increasing health education in schools and raising public awareness of the extent and danger of under-age alcohol use;
  • Working with alcohol purveyors such as a restaurant chain that voluntarily discontinued selling non-alcoholic "drinks" to children and a beer manufacturer whose billboards are perceived as aimed at the youth market.
  • Considering an increase in the state’s tax on beer, with revenues supporting strategies to curb under-age drinking.
The task group was made up of representatives of the Governor’s Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Programs, Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC), Safety Division of the Oregon Department of Transportation, Oregon Department of Human Services, and the Oregon Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking.

"The consequences of under-age drinking can be devastating," the report says. "Typically, children start drinking under the age of 15, and those children are four times more likely to have problems with alcohol as adults."

Oregonians may legally consume alcohol beginning at age 21.

Page updated: September 21, 2007