Health and Fitness : Alcohol Policy Changes at Special Events

When Benton County received the Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant (SPF SIG), a group of volunteers worked long hours to determine how to utilize the money to make the best changes possible in the community. That committee determined that special events was a place that could benefit from changes in their policies regarding alcohol. The goal of SPF SIG is not to take alcohol out of the community completely, but rather to make sure it’s being used in a safe and responsible way. One way to ensure that, is to help events that serve alcohol create simple, consistent policies to reduce binge drinking and underage access to alcohol. In 2012 and 2013, the SPF SIG committee worked with local events to begin making those policy changes. The Benton County Fair Board worked to reduce the number of beer company logos displayed to minors during the 2013 fair and is considering future changes for following fair events. Atkins Watermelon Days hired a new security company to increase persistence with ID checking and wristbanding, and added signage to advertise non-alcoholic beverages as well as alcoholic beverages. These changes may seem small, but they contribute to making Benton County a safer, healthier community to raise children in. They are the beginning signs of change, and the SPF SIG Committee is proud to have partnered with these organizations to make that change happen. In the 2013-2014 grant year, the committee hopes to continue efforts with these organizations, while working with other organizations and event planners to make similar changes. If you host a special event, or would like to discuss changes at a community event you attend, please contact: Jenn Draper, CPS jdraper@asac.us 319-472-2443 The SPF SIG Committee is always interested in participation from new members. Our meetings are open to the general public, and we invite you to join us at our next scheduled meetings: October 3, 2013 at 2 p.m. October 22, 2013 at 8:30 a.m. (Both meetings held at the ASAC office, 1003 W. 4th St., Vinton)