Prevention Unit Overview & History

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Overview

The Arizona Department of Liquor's Education & Prevention Unit (EPU) is a community-based resource focused on educating community members regarding the dangers associated with underage drinking. Some of the dangers include the legal, physiological and long-term impacts associated with underage drinking. To accomplish this effort, EPU staff provides instruction to youths about alcohol awareness during a one-hour presentation, regularly attend community events to disseminate information, educates licensed establishments regarding underage drinking laws as well as educating law enforcement officers on current investigative methods to further its reach. EPU consists one of sergeant and two detectives for the entire State of Arizona.

History of the Prevention Unit

In 2016, the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (DLLC), the Governor's Office of Youth, Faith and Family (GOYFF) and the Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) entered into an innovative and collaborative effort to create a Prevention Unit focused on reducing underage drinking in Arizona. The Prevention Unit seeks to connect with Arizona youth, liquor licensed establishments and parents alike to educate them about the dangers of underage drinking, as well as the legal consequences and the possible physiological effects. This effort not only seeks to bring awareness to the public about the dangers of underage drinking, but also to discuss helpful steps the public can take to reduce underage drinking.

Underage drinking is a local and national public safety concern and the Prevention Unit fully recognizes the need for a multifaceted approach. The Prevention Unit's efforts include:

• Assisting in creating a state statute to reflect the goals and objectives of a social host ordinance
• Working closely with community-based coalitions in regards to underage drinking prevention efforts
• Conducting educational contacts with licensed establishments
• Participating in community events based on the ideologies of the Lavidge campaign, which involves community outreach regarding anti-underage drinking efforts
• Educating youth in both school and non-school settings about "Alcohol Awareness for Teens"
• Educating at-risk youth about long-term impacts regarding underage drinking
• Educating sworn law enforcement officers and academy recruits about liquor laws and fake ID recognition techniques

These partnerships are vital and necessary to reduce underage drinking in Arizona and to create an additional resource for the communities in Arizona. Underage drinking is not a minor issue, but we can all work together to make our state a safer place.