Franklin Lakes Police Teaming Up With Kids, Liquor Store To Prevent Underage Drinking

FRANKLIN LAKES, NJ — Borough police officers and middle-schoolers are teaming up Friday to remind high-schoolers and other underage residents not to drink.

The Police Department's Sticker Shock campaign will take place at Franklin Lakes Liquors this afternoon. Seventh-graders and police will hang stickers displaying warning messages about the penalties for minors on cases of beer, wine coolers and other alcohol-related products that might appeal to young drinkers.

"Underage drinking, it's a problem," said Chief Carmine Pezzuti. "It occurs around this time of year, especially with graduations."

The campaign is being done in cooperation with The Municipal Alliance, a civic organization that works to reduce and prevent alcohol and drug use in the borough.

The program also helps develop important skills, Officer Denny Knubel, one of the officers heading up the initiative.

"The initiative not only educates the community regarding underage drinking, it also enhances leadership traits and advocacy skills within the youth participating," Knubel said.

The owner of Franklin Lakes Liquors said he is happy to participate in the program.

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Image: A student places a warning sticker on alcohol at a liquor store in this Patch file photo.