FTC Urges Adults to Say We Don't Serve Teens

The motto heard around the country this week will be: “Don’t serve alcohol to teens. It’s unsafe. It’s illegal. It’s irresponsible.” The We Don’t Serve Teens message will be promoted through public service announcements in national newspapers, national and regional magazine ads, over 3000 billboards, more than 1000 radio ads, as well as television ads, and other promotions. State and local officials in 31 states are recognizing We Don’t Serve Teens Week with press conferences, proclamations and other events.

“Underage drinking is a persistent public health and safety problem, as detailed in the Surgeon General’s recent Call to Action on Underage Drinking,” said the Lydia Parnes, Director of the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “We Don’t Serve Teens Week brings a critical mass of public and private entities together to spotlight the need to reduce teens’ easy access to alcohol. By working together, we hope to make progress on this important issue.”

Data show that teens get alcohol from friends, from parties, and from their homes without parental approval. The FTC developed the campaign to reduce teen access to alcohol by empowering parents and others with tools they need. The Web site, www.DontServeTeens.gov, offers information in English and Spanish on rates and risks of teen drinking, state laws, and what to say to friends and neighbors about serving alcohol to teens. Organizations are using the free materials offered on the website throughout the year, including press releases, announcements for broadcasters, and camera-ready logos. Stickers, lapel pins, and signs are available for alcohol retailers nationwide to remind patrons, “We Don’t Serve Teens.”

Permanent program partners, who provide ongoing help spreading the We Don’t Serve Teens message include the U.S. Department of Treasury Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, The Century Council, the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America, the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association, the National Consumers League, Students Against Destructive Decisions, the National Liquor Law Enforcement Administration, the Responsible Retailing Forum, the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors, Inc., and the American Beverage Licensees. A list of organizations and individuals participating in We Don’t Serve Teens Week is attached.