Underage Alcohol Sales Targeted By Alexandria 'Sticker Shock' Campaign

ALEXANDRIA, VA — A campaign discouraging alcohol sales to minors will return to Alexandria Saturday.

The City of Alexandria's Project Sticker Shock Campaign will kick off at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Del Pepper Community Resource Center (4850 Mark Center Drive). The youth-led event will feature youth and community leaders speaking about preventing alcohol access to minors. Participants include the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria, the Alexandria Police Department, the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office, the Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services, the Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities, and the Alexandria City High School U.S. Army Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps.

After the speakers wrap up, participants will place warning stickers from Virginia ABC on multipacks of alcohol at participating stores. The stickers will warn of the legal repercussions of selling alcohol to people under age 21.

Virginia ABC runs an ongoing underage buyer program, which involves checking compliance with age requirements for tobacco and alcohol sales at retailers around Virginia. In Virginia, knowingly selling alcohol to a minor is considered a Class 1 misdemeanor, which can lead to a fine up to $2,500 and up to one year in jail. Selling alcohol without checking ID for a person under 21 can result in a Class 3 misdemeanor, which can carry a fine up to $500.

In addition, purchasing alcohol for a person under age 21 is considered a Class 1 misdemeanor with a fine up to $2,500, up to one year in jail and a driver's license revoked for up to one year. These second-party sales could involve minors passing money, helping to choose alcohol or bringing alcohol to the counter. Employees are asked to request second-party ID to confirm the age of a second-party purchaser.

Reports of underage alcohol sales can be directed to the Alexandria Police Department at 703-746-4444 or the Virginia ABC.