ST. GEORGE — The Washington County Commission joined other local officials last week in adopting a proclamation declaring the 2022-23 school year as “an alcohol-free year for youth.”
The decree was sponsored by the Washington County Youth Coalition and other groups as a way to bring public awareness to the pending return of mini bottles of alcohol to Utah’s liquor market.
“This proclamation is something we’ve taken to all of the cities,” Gabrielle Dutson, a Snow Canyon High student and member of the youth coalition, told commissioners last Tuesday. “We want to establish the dangers and risks these mini bottles can bring to our youth.”
The youth coalition’s concerns stem from the recent approval of the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services Commission to allow mini bottles of alcohol to return to state-run liquor store shelves, as reported by Fox 13 News.
The products, which offer 50 milliliters and 187 for spirituous liquor and wine respectively, haven’t been sold in Utah since the 1980s. An administrative rule change approved by the department of alcohol commission will allow the bottles to return in the fall provided no major issues arise following a public comment period on the decision.
Support for the sale of mini bottles came from the state’s tourism sector, Dutson said. Tourists either wanted the smaller bottles instead of larger ones or didn’t want to have to buy a meal in order to purchase an alcoholic beverage at a restaurant, she said.
While the mini bottles have yet to appear in state liquor stores, members of the youth coalition said they wanted to get ahead of the matter and spread awareness.
“For the youth, the mini bottles are easier to steal and conceal,” Dutson said. “We are seeing an impact on our youth. They are able to consume alcohol more regularly and they don’t get caught, so they don’t get the help they need.”
According to the Southwest Behavioral Health Center, 67% of teens who consume alcohol before age 15 will try other drugs. They are also 4 times more likely to become addicted.
While the mini bottles will only be sold in state-run liquor stores and not supermarkets, the youth coalition also noted that the easiest place for kids to get alcohol is in their own homes.
It is the mission of the Washington County Youth Coalition to prevent underage substance abuse and also provide resources for youth, parents and schools. Members of the coalition typically consist of high school students from across the county.
“We’re always trying to make sure that we are a resource to all the local schools,” said Pamela Holiday, a prevention specialist and youth coalition adviser.
An example of the youth coalition work is a forthcoming plan to address sixth graders who, according to 2021 data from student health and risk prevention surveys, are experimenting more with substance use, she said. Because of this, that demographic will be a focus of youth coalition efforts in the coming year.
As for the alcohol-free school year proclamation, in addition to the County Commission, it has also been signed by the St. George, Santa Clara, Ivins, Hildale, Washington City and Hurricane city councils.
The practice of producing and getting these types of proclamations signed can help coalition members become acquainted with their local elected officials while also getting the word out about the coalition’s goals and efforts. Other groups promoting the proclamation include the Washington County Prevention Coalition and Reach For Hope.
“There is nothing that causes more damage to families and youth than addiction – alcoholism in particular,” Washington County Commission Chair Victor Iverson said before signing the proclamation. “This is an important cause.”
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