Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Releases Biennial Report Detailing State Agencies Efforts to Prevent Underage and Dangerous Drinking

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 20, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) released the Act 85 Report, which provides information on underage drinking rates and college students' consumption and details the efforts made by multiple state agencies to address alcohol-related issues in Pennsylvania.

"Because underage drinking can affect a person throughout his or her entire life, it is critically important that we understand what educational programs are working and where we need to focus to continue to be successful in preventing underage and dangerous drinking," said PLCB Chairman Tim Holden. "The Act 85 report not only highlights our progress, but it also shows where improvement is still needed. It's a valuable resource for every decision-maker who plays a role in addressing alcohol-related issues."

The report, required by Act 85 of 2006, was compiled by the PLCB Bureau of Alcohol Education with input from the Pennsylvania State Police, Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement (BLCE); PennDOT; the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP); the Pennsylvania Department of Education; the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD); and the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE).

Using data from the Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS) and national sources, the 2015 Act 85 report shows:

• Nearly 75 percent of Pennsylvania high school seniors report having used alcohol in their lifetime, compared to 68 percent nationwide
• Pennsylvania high school students are below the national average for "binge drinking" (consuming five or more drinks in a row at least once in the previous two weeks)
• More than 90 percent of students in grades six, eight, 10, and 12 in Pennsylvania perceive their parents would feel it "wrong" or "very wrong" for them to drink beer, wine, or hard liquor regularly
• Less than half of Pennsylvania students whose families have clear rules about the use of alcohol have consumed alcohol
• More than half of Pennsylvania college students believe the social atmosphere of their campuses promotes alcohol use

The report also details the programs state agencies have implemented to address underage and dangerous drinking. These include the PLCB's grant program which provides approximately $1 million per year to local organizations to combat underage and dangerous drinking, the Responsible Alcohol Management Program (RAMP) to train those who serve alcohol, the DDAP's support of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Power of Parents® program, and many, many more.

"The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has many partners to combat underage and dangerous drinking, including state agencies, educators, law enforcement professionals, and civic and community groups. But one of our most important allies is parents," said Jerry W. Waters, Sr., director of the Office of Regulatory Affairs. "Research shows that parents have a tremendous impact on whether or not their children abuse or even try alcohol, so we have to make sure parents understand just how important their role is when it comes to their child's decision-making."

To read the Act 85 report or to obtain more information about the alcohol education efforts of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, visit http://www.lcb.state.pa.us/cons/groups/externalaffairs/documents/form/002552.pdf.

MEDIA CONTACT: Stacy Kriedeman, 717.783.8864

SOURCE Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board