HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, PLCB, Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, PCCD and the Bloomsburg Police Department were honored recently at the 13th Annual National Enforcement and Underage Drinking Laws, EUDL, Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida, for their partnership to reduce underage drinking.
“Our grant funds are a critical investment in the programs and services that provide for the health and safety of all Pennsylvanians,” said Patrick J. “PJ” Stapleton III, PLCB chairman. “We applaud Chief Leo Sokoloski and the Bloomsburg Police Department for their successful initiative.”
Utilizing grant dollars provided by the PLCB, the Bloomsburg Police Department increased patrols during holidays, and other special events known for an increase in liquor consumption. During one such event, local police made 206 arrests in 2010, compared to 123 arrests in 2009. The majority of the violations were liquor- related. While arrests increased, the number of large gatherings decreased, minimizing physical damage and financial costs to the community.
“Protecting the youth of our community is a paramount concern,” said Bloomsburg Police Chief Leo Sokoloski. “Not only were we able to step up enforcement efforts, we also conducted a multitude of educational programs to prevent underage alcohol consumption. We believe strongly in preventing a criminal incident or tragedy rather than reacting to it.”
The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board awards approximately one million dollars in grants annually to reduce underage and dangerous alcohol consumption. Through a competitive process, the grant awards up to $15,000 to local police departments, communities, colleges and universities and advocacy groups who meet the criteria.
In coordination with the PLCB efforts, PCCD provides funding to train law enforcement officers to assist in overall efforts to reduce underage drinking within local jurisdictions. These trainings have played an integral role in ensuring effective practices are being implemented consistently across the state, resulting in a reduction in youth engaging in dangerous and irresponsible behaviors.
“Underage drinking and excessive alcohol consumption often result in dangerous outcomes – not only for those who illegally consume, but their families, friends and community members,” said Mark Zimmer, PCCD chairman. “Our law enforcement agencies are instrumental in creating safer and healthier communities for all citizens of Pennsylvania. Chief Sokoloski and the Bloomsburg Police Department are a prime example of the significant impact these efforts can have on the local level.”
“There is nothing more important than continuing our collective work to combat binge and problematic drinking among our youth,” said Stapleton. “As a result of collaborations like this, we can all be proud of the significant difference we are making in communities throughout the commonwealth.”
For more information about the PLCB’s alcohol education efforts, visit www.lcb.state.pa.us.