County leads ongoing fight to keep young people dry

 By CHRISTOPHER TUFFLEY 

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SEBRING -- Debbie Lees is the Substance Abuse Response Guide coordinator for Highlands County. She works through the Highlands County Sheriff's Office to raise awareness about underage drinking. For over a year she has been working with adolescents, parents and the community at large.

 "We are now about to reach out to the last group with our message," she said, "the licensed alcohol vendors in our county."

She added that there are 220 alcohol licenses issued in the county.

 At the same time, the Department of Children and Families is conducting its second statewide alcohol environmental scan.

 The scan is intended to capture a snapshot of how vendors are placing and advertising their alcoholic products, and whether they post warning signs for those under 21.

 For example, said John Varady -- a volunteer from the Heartland Education Consortium who is visiting stores, restaurants and bars -- generic advertising is all right as long as it doesn't picture young people. Nor should alcoholic products or advertising be placed in areas where young people might congregate or be overly exposed. Beer, for instance, should not be displayed near beach items, toys or candy. Apparel advertising beer brands should not be in children's sizes.

 More than that, stores should have ample signs announcing clerks ask for identification, and follow through by really checking.

Varady said, "Everyone has been receptive to the scan. It's been very positive. (Because of fines) it makes economic sense to comply, but a lot of vendors are serious about protecting our youth."

One hidden problem comes in the form of some high energy drinks. Too few people know that certain brands carry high levels of alcohol.

Jackhammer has 5.9 percent alcohol per volume; Sparks and Rock Star 21 have 6 percent; Sparks Plus and Rize Up have 7 percent; and Tilt comes in at 8 percent.

These are significant amounts, Varady said, made worse by high levels of caffeine.

 These beverages have to be kept in the beer coolers, not mixed in with soft drinks.

 At restaurants and bars, Varady said, volunteers will be looking for inappropriate alcohol-oriented games that encourage binge drinking. He added that kind of activity is more commonly found in college towns, and isn't a problem here.

 Lees will conduct a training session for vendors on Wednesday, June 2 to help them better protect young people from the consequences of underage drinking.

 Varady said it is important for the general public to understand that "while acknowledging the problem, most Highlands County youth choose not to use tobacco, alcohol or drugs. Most kids choose not to."

 Lees can be reached at 402-7312.