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Report to Congress on the Prevention and Reduction of Underage Drinking

In 2006, Congress enacted the Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act (STOP Act), Public Law 109-422.  Among other provisions, the STOP Act calls for the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to submit an annual Report to Congress on consequences of underage drinking and Federal and State policies to prevent and reduce it.

The most recent Report to Congress was issued in May 2011 and is available at http://store.samhsa.gov/shin/content//SMA11-4645/SMA11-4645.pdf .

The Report features data on the nature and extent of underage drinking in the United States including the characteristics and serious consequences of underage drinking, a discussion of the long-term, coordinated approach adopted by the Federal government to address underage drinking, and a report on State policies that address underage drinking.

The policy section of the Report focuses on 17 legal policies intended to reduce underage drinking and its consequences.  These include:

Laws Addressing Minors in Possession of Alcohol
·         Underage Possession of Alcohol
·         Underage Consumption of Alcohol
·         Internal Possession by Minors
·         Underage Purchase of Alcohol
·         False Identification for Obtaining Alcohol
 
Laws Targeting Underage Drinking and Driving
·         Youth Blood Alcohol Concentration Limits (Underage Operators of Noncommercial Motor Vehicles)
·         Loss of Driving Privileges for Alcohol Violations by Minors (“Use/Lose Laws”)
·         Graduated Driver Licenses
 
Laws Targeting Alcohol Suppliers
·         Furnishing of Alcohol to Minors
·         Responsible Beverage Service
·         Minimum Ages for On-Premises Servers and Bartenders
·         Minimum Ages for Off-Premises Sellers
·         Dram Shop Liability
·         Social Host Liability
·         Prohibitions Against Hosting Underage Drinking Parties
·         Direct Shipments/Sales
·         Keg Registration
 
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism National Institutes of Health Department of Health and Human Services USA.gov - Government Made Easy