Talbot County Sponsors New Initiative to Curb Underage Drinking

Conduit Street
Post author:  Shantelle Malcolm-Lym
September 16, 2024

TALBOT COUNTY, MARYLAND – This fall, the Talbot County Health Department will sponsor the Responsible Retailing Forum’s 21 Matters™ initiative, which is designed to support local alcohol beverage licensees in their ongoing efforts to prevent underage drinking.

The program employs young, legal-age individuals to be mystery shoppers and visit program-participating retail and serving establishments to request alcoholic beverages. If staff properly ask for identification, the mystery shopper presents a Green Card, acknowledging correct age verification procedures. In cases where staff are about to sell or serve without checking ID, the shopper leaves a Red Card for the manager, highlighting the failure and potential consequences of selling to minors. Licensees participating in the program receive information on best practices for selling or serving alcohol and receive assistance in developing Alcohol Sales Policies for their businesses.

This initiative underscores the Talbot County Health Department’s commitment to promoting public health and safety by reducing underage access to alcohol. By partnering with local businesses, the Department aims to reduce underage drinking in the community.

“We’re excited to bring the 21 Matters™ initiative to Talbot County,” said Heather Sconce, clinical services director for the Talbot County Health Department. “This program provides our local alcohol retailers with valuable tools and strategies to prevent underage drinking. By partnering with the Responsible Retailing Forum, we’re reinforcing our commitment to community health and safety.”

For more information about the 21 Matters™ initiative, visit https://rrforum.org/rr-programs/ or for more information on the Talbot County Health Department’s efforts to combat underage drinking, please visit https://talbothealth.org/mental-health-drugs-alcohol/drug-alcohol-prevention