"I Pledge to be Merchant Committed"

Great news Norwalk! Helpline Youth Counseling’s Substance Abuse Prevention and Control Team have been actively involved with 30 of your alcohol retailers here in Norwalk. Together we have reached the 7th step of 8- Step Retail Framework! This framework is a gradual process that allows Helpline Youth Counseling and members of the community to partner with alcohol retailers in an effort to reduce underage drinking. This process which started in July of 2014 is near the end, but that does not mean that the work is over. What this does mean is that our retail partners can take what they have learned and apply it to their business. Helpline will continue to support their efforts and this in turn will help create healthier communities.

You might be asking: What is Step 7? It is Norwalk’s Merchant Committed Program and it demonstrates a retailer’s level of commitment to reducing underage alcohol access. What’s the Merchant Committed program you might ask next? Merchant Committed can be thought of as a rating system that displays retailers’ level of commitment in preventing underage drinking. Merchant Committed is a program being supported and endorsed by Norwalk Chamber of Commerce and the Department of Public Safety.

The 8 Step Retail Framework begins by selecting 30 alcohol retailers varying from super markets, convenience stores to gas stations. All 30 retail partners were selected based on their close proximity to parks and schools. Our 30 partners have cooperated in one form or another and deserve to be commended for their efforts at arriving to the 7th step- Merchant Committed.

There are 3 different levels to Merchant Committed that have specific requirements that must be met to qualify. Each level is earned through their actions and efforts to reduce underage access to alcohol in their retail stores. When those requirements are met, they can pledge to their qualifying level:

· Level 1: Retailer pledges that all employees in the store will attend a Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) training once a year.” Responsible Beverage Service training helps retailers stay up to date on Alcohol Beverage Control’s (ABC) rules and local regulations; which in-turn protects their business and reduces underage drinking. RBS is essential for any person who works with alcohol as the rules regarding sales of alcohol can be complicated.

· Level 2: Retailer pledges to implement a written policy that states current and future employees are RBS trained. Retailers will also voluntarily make changes to the layout of their stores such as: removing all holiday alcoholic promotions and displays, not use alcohol for display in front of refrigerated cases, move alcoholic items from exits, end-caps, and make sure that alcohol is separate from groceries and items children might buy. The last two requirements are to post “WE I.D” stickers, and to remove any advertising so that no more than 33% of their window-space is covered. These steps reduce the visibility of alcohol to youth. A level 2 tells the city that the business is serious about reducing underage drinking.

· Level 3: The retailer pledges to remove all alcoholic ads, promos, and advertising from inside and outside of the store. Essentially, the retail outlet becomes a safe and inviting place for all community members to stop and shop.

Helpline’s vision is to have all retailers in Norwalk become Merchant Committed Level 1. We believe that from level 1, they may be encouraged to eventually move up to a level 2 or 3. We know that Merchant Committed will help Norwalk reduce underage drinking and create healthier retailers and in turn, a healthier Norwalk.

Continuing our efforts to reduce underage drinking here in Norwalk, would not have been possible without the partnerships of special people, agencies, and businesses that stepped up and helped us along the way. For our retailers, it was not easy to allow the Helpline Prevention Team (strangers to them at the time) to walk into your stores and talk about youth alcohol prevention, but you listened and cooperated. We spoke to you about making a difference and you responded. You ALL deserve a big Thank You.

The SAPC team at Helpline Youth Counseling cannot thank enough our volunteers for the excellent work they did and the time they dedicated to Norwalk. Our volunteers did not hesitate when asked for help and were at the ready. We want to recognize you and your commitment to creating a healthier community for us all in the City of Norwalk.

Special Thanks To
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Ø The Department of Public Safety of Norwalk – Carlos Ramos and Josh Yordt, as well as our Sherpas or our guides to the city, for always taking our calls, emails, and meetings. Our work is not possible without you.

Ø “The Norwalk Patriot” - Eric Pierce - Thank you for always supporting our work by finding a space for us in the newspaper and sharing what we have accomplished.

Ø Norwalk Chamber of Commerce – Vivan Hansen and Caren Spilsbury, for being such a great partner and supporting our efforts. You always give us the opportunity to meet so many remarkable people that make our job easier. Thank you.

Ø Field of Dreams Learning Center - Sayaka Ponce, her staff, and the students at Field of Dreams Charter School. Your enthusiasm and commitment to improving lives is inspiring to us all.

Ø Pastor Arthur McKibben and Mercedes Quintanilla - The Norwalk Church of the Nazarene - You both have been constantly by our side since the beginning of this process and we appreciate you.

Ø MADD - Georgina Aviles and Keith Page, for your continuous support and partnership.

Ø Corvallis Middle School - Taking a lead role in brightening the future for your students by allowing the Helpline SAPC Prevention team to facilitate the Life Skills program in your school.

Ø Norwalk’s Sports Complex - Allowing us to use your amazing facility for our trainings.

Ø Leche’ Café and Books - Jesse Pelayo, for your extra space to facilitate counseling groups and providing amazing food and drinks.

Ø “El Aviso” Magazine - Adriana Hernandez, thanks for the support in reaching the Spanish speaker in the city of Norwalk.