Underage drinking in the region is now under attack! That was the message from a meeting of law enforcement and behavioral health agencies in the 6th Judicial Circuit, who met Thursday, January 24th, 2008, at the University of South Carolina at Lancaster to discuss progress being made by the new Alcohol Enforcement Teams (AET’s) to enforce the state’s tougher underage drinking laws passed July 1 of 2007.

The judicial circuit includes Lancaster, Chester, and Fairfield counties. The purposes of the meeting were to network among the 6th Judicial Circuit Law Enforcement Network and recognize law enforcement officers who have worked closely with this new initiative, stated Melody C. Reid, 6th Circuit AET Coordinator and employee of The Hazel Pittman Center in Chester.

The state legislature approved $1.6 million for distribution among the 16 circuits for the new network-based effort, but the funding will only last until the end of June this year.

“There really is a need for this and law enforcement can not do it all on their own, they need support from the community as well,” Reid stated.

Winnsboro, SC, January 31, 2008 - The tougher laws include stiffer fines and penalties for violators, including businesses caught selling alcohol to minors and new offenses associated with underage drinking.

Teams focus on three ways of addressing underage drinking: compliance with the law, education and the treatment of minors found guilty of alcohol violations.

“Our goal is to have at least 40 compliance checks completed by June 30, 2008, but not limited to that amount,” said Reid.

According to Fairfield Behavioral Health Services’ Executive Director, Vernon L. Kennedy Sr., “the Alcohol Enforcement Team in Fairfield County has conducted approximately 30 alcohol compliance checks and has completed a public safety checkpoint with more than 130 vehicles being stopped for routine license checks, tags and registration, etc.”

Kennedy commended Sheriff Herman Young, Fairfield County Sheriff’s Department, Chief Wayne Yates, Winnsboro Public Safety, and Chief Wayne Courtney, Ridgeway Police Department for joining forces in the fight against underage drinking.

“I am also extremely proud of accomplishments that their officers have made and honored to work with them especially FCSO Corporal Melissa Cooper and WDPS Deputy Chief Freddie J. Lorick who have lead these efforts,” says Cheryl Goodwin, Prevention Coordinator with Fairfield Behavioral Health Service.

“Hopefully by the teams getting out as often as possible to enforce these laws we will increase those numbers and have a better chance of getting re-funded for the next fiscal year and the one after that,” Reid said.

Other agencies recognized were South Carolina Highway Patrol and Fort Lawn Police Department for reporting all wrecks and traffic charges filed within their respective jurisdictions in 2007. These agencies are a part of the Law Enforcement Network, which collaborated with Reid to put on this banquet for law enforcement officials.

Solicitor Doug Barfield also provided clarity on the new law that requires mandatory participation in an Alcohol Education Program for all youth 17-20 who are convicted on possession of alcohol, attempt to purchase or consume, open container and other offenses related to underage drinking activities.

Fairfield Behavioral Health Services and the other alcohol and drug abuse commissions in the 6th Circuit will be providing this one component of the Alcohol Education Program.

To learn more about the Alcohol Enforcement Team or the Alcohol Education Program, please contact your local law enforcement agencies or Fairfield Behavioral Health Services.