The Sherburne County Substance Use Prevention (SUP) Coalition invited local liquor retailers in the Sherburne County area to partner in our Sticker Shock effort to prevent the underage use of alcohol. Although typically done prior to prom and graduation season, our efforts were delayed due to COVID-19 concerns, so the activity was conducted between June and July. Celebrations with alcohol are common during summer months and can turn dangerous for underage drinkers.

Retail stores make a profit from selling alcohol and this activity allows them to help prevent problems by trying to reach those adults who buy alcohol legally and give it to youth.

10 local businesses participated in Sticker Shock, including:

• Beck’s Pub and Jubilee Liquor (posters only) in Becker;

• Briggs Lake Liquor in Palmer Township;

• Lake Liquors in Big Lake;

• Northbound and Westbound Liquor in Elk River;

• P&A Liquor and Uptown Offsale in Zimmerman;

• Rogers Wines & Spirits in Rogers;

• Sand Dunes Spirits in Orrock Township.

Participating retailers were asked to place the tags on their inventory rather than using coalition volunteers. Retailers placed approximately 2,000 stickers and over 600 bottle hangers on alcoholic beverages that might appeal to underage drinkers with a warning message about the penalties for providing alcohol to anyone under 21.

The SUP Coalition would like to thank the participating businesses for supporting your community and helping to keep our youth safe!

The Sherburne County Substance Use Prevention Coalition is a community-focused organization on a mission to prevent substance use among our youth by promoting safe and healthy choices. For more information on the coalition, visit www.sherburnesupcoalition.org.