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September 3, 1999 Group tackles underage drinkingThe Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking is moving ahead in its mission to combat underage drinking. At its first organizational meeting on July 27, more than 55 people attended including neighbors, law enforcement representatives, and owners of Madigan's, T.J. Quills, and Bruno's bars. According to Leigh Anne Barakett, Ph.D., staff counselor and substance abuse prevention coordinator in Loyola's Counseling and Career Services Center and coordinator of the effort, the meeting was used as an opportunity to set objectives and goals, share information, and raise issues. Among those issues raised was the legal loophole that allows individuals 18, 19, and 20 years of age to enter bars but forbids them to drink alcohol. The group also sought to identify other factors contributing to underage drinking such as age of bartenders and bouncers (i.e., the younger the bartenders/bouncers, the younger the bar patrons). Barakett says at the coalition's September 14 meeting, the group will "further identify what we want to accomplish. We need to create a plan of action for the next year." Barakett says she plans to invite Uptown retailers and high school teachers and principals because high school students are at greatest risk for problems associated with underage drinking. She also plans to set up a website and has already created a listserve so coalition members can communicate with each other between meetings. Additionally, members from the Tulane University community have expressed an interest in joining and have been invited to participate in the coalition. The Loyola-based, community-wide coalition was funded by a $20,000 grant from the state's Department of Health and Hospitals Office of Alcohol and Drug Abuse. |
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