It’s summertime and the living is easy, but before hosting a backyard barbecue, inviting teens to a pool party or offering a refreshing cocktail to an older adult, there are a few things everyone should know about alcohol—from Virginia’s laws to alcohol health and safety tips for people of all ages. Hot off the press is the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control’s (ABC) newest publication series, a set of brief and readable guidebooks designed to inform citizens and businesses about alcohol laws, facts and safety risks. The ABC Education and Prevention Publication Series addresses issues important to elementary, middle, high school and college students, adults 21 and older, parents and older adults. “We are looking to diversify our reach by providing individual guides for targeted groups,” said ABC Education and Prevention Manager Katie Weaks. “These guides contain alcohol education and prevention messaging that is age-appropriate for each population. The publication series serves as a central source of information and includes current data, alcohol trends and other research.” The up-to-date, free resources are printed in color with infographics, making the material easier to read and understand. “Another school year is just around the corner, and our new guides are intended to serve as a supplement to educational efforts implemented by schools, community organizations and other partners,” said Weaks. “As a whole, the publication series provides alcohol education across the lifespan.” In addition to the seven publications targeting specific age groups, the “Responsibility Guide for Licensees” is a tool intended to help alcohol sellers and servers operate safe and compliant businesses. The free guide includes facts about fake IDs, tips on preventing underage sales as well as information about Virginia’s alcohol laws and regulations. To view, download or order copies of the eight publications, visit ABC’s website at www.abc.virginia.gov, and select “Education” followed by “Publications.” All orders will be delivered to a local ABC store for pick up.
