Project Sticker Shock Looks to Curb Underage Drinking

With prom season on the horizon, North Kingstown's Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition kicked off its second Project Sticker Shock Thursday morning.

The task force visited all four North Kingstown's liquor stores, stickering cases of beer and other alcoholic beverages favored by underaged drinkers. Project Sticker Shock is a nationwide campaign that raises awareness of underage drinking by reminding adults about the law regarding supplying alcohol to minors. In Rhode Island, those charged with providing alcohol to underaged drinkers could face up to $2,500 or up to a year in prison.

"Underaged drinking is a youth issue, but also an adult problem," said Robin Monica, member of the task force. 

According to a national survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, more than half of all high school aged drinkers get their alcohol from an adult. 

Members of the also participated in Thursday campaign. According to Police Chief Thomas Mulligan, officers pick up patrols of areas where underage drinkers tend to frequent around graduation and the summer month. 

Last year, the task force , but Kathy Yeager (head of the group) hopes to hold the event during prom/graduation season going forward.