Warwick Coalition to offer merchant alcohol server training
The winter holidays are here and are bringing family and friends together in the beautiful spirit of the season.
The consumption of alcohol can be excessive at this time, and with that comes poor judgment, accidents, and arguments.
During these holidays many parents of older adolescents and returning college students, will face pressure to allow or ignore underage drinking.
Also, the greater town of Warwick’s 80 liquor license holders will be under pressure to sell alcoholic beverages to those under 21.
For this reason, early next year, Merchant Server Trainings will be offered at nominal cost of $12 per establishment.
This is to aid the merchants selling alcohol on-site in their restaurants and bars, or for off-site use, as well as non-licensed merchants giving alcohol away under a temporary license during town events.
The Warwick Coalition in collaboration with ADAC and GCASA will provide a three-hour certification training, which reviews state regulations, liability laws and best practices to be in compliance with law enforcement.
Many insurers offer a discount for certificate holders - an added incentive.
Friends and family who serve the under-aged also risk tremendous legal liability for others’ children, but moreover they undermine youth’s understanding of the boundary between what is right and wrong.
Adults who choose to ignore the law’s purpose of protecting youths’ developing minds and maturity, are in denial of addiction science.
This science has been tracked closely by NIH and SAMSHA for decades and shows a clear increased risk of addiction by early drinkers, as well as for the rising numbers of teens who are binge drinking.
The 42 percent of Warwick Valley High School seniors completing the 2011 Pride Survey reported binge drinking and are among those returning to or abiding in Warwick.
Many went to colleges where binge-drinking averages 44 percent nationwide, condoning this life-threatening, pre-addiction behavior.
As they re-connect with families with younger brothers and sisters who imitate their parents, older siblings and their friends, they can benefit from help in adopting safe limits set by family, merchants and adult friends who are among the most influential on youth.
Merchants may send unlimited numbers of staff to any of the three trainings available.
They are urged to call 845-986-6422.
Citizens wishing to help the Coalition to canvas the Warwick merchants to make them aware of these low cost trainings should call the same number.
All are welcome to our December Coalition meeting in the Teen Center of the Warwick Valley Community Center on Thursday, Dec. 19 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. to learn about other initiatives being undertaken to reduce underage substance abuse.
Patricia Quinn, MS, LCAT, CASAC
Prevention Services
Warwick Valley Community Center