Butler Anti-Drug Group Kicks Off Teen Alcohol Awareness Effort

Through the Morris County Department of Human Services, the Butler Municipal Alliance Committee is participating in the Drug Free Action Alliance's Parents Who Host, Lose The Most Campaign.  

The campaign was developed to teach parents about the risks associated with underage drinking—and the legal consequences of allowing teens to consume alcohol. It encourages parents to tell their kids no. The effort also sends a message from the community: that teen alcohol consumption is unhealthy, unsafe and unacceptable.

The BMAC will post lawn signs throughout Butler, place campaign stickers on pizza boxes from a local pizzeria, put informational brochures in bags at a liquor and convenience stores.

The group will also host an educational meeting Friday, May 24 at 2 p.m. in the Butler High School Library.

Education is an important component in the effort to keep young people away from alcohol, Alliance Coordinator Robin Lavorato said in a written statement.

"Knowledge of state underage drinking laws and the harmful risk of underage drinking has proved to be effective in preventing parents from hosting parties where alcohol is available and served to teens," she said. "The number one place teens get alcohol is their own home, let’s come together and change that.

"It is not ok to allow your children and their friends to drink in your home even if … you are well meaning and take their keys, you think it’s inevitable and you would rather have your children drink at home, you did it and you turned out ok, it’s only beer. Again, it is not ok, it’s harmful and illegal."

Those who cannot attend the May 24 meeting but still wish to join the BMAC in the Parents Who Host, Lose the Most effort, are asked to call Lavorato at 973-492-2000 X246 or email rlavorato@butlerboe.org.

The group said it is seeking "business owners to distribute our message, law enforcement to increase monitoring for teen house parties, parents to help send the message through group texts and emails. If you would like a task, we have one for you."