TRENTON –– The state Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) announced a $350,000 block of grants available to municipal police departments, county prosecutor’ offices, colleges, universities, private, non-profit, governmental and other entities for programs that address underage drinking.
Local agencies are encouraged to apply.
Director Jerry Fischer, who has identified the problem of underage drinking as one of the ABC’s top enforcement priorities, received federal money to develop and/or enhance such programs within New Jersey.
For local law enforcement agencies, Cops in Shops and Undercover Operations grants are available.
The Cops in Shops program partners police and liquor store retailers targeting adults who purchase alcohol for underage individuals. Officers pose as employees or patrons to stop anyone under 21 from buying liquor.
Undercover operations work similarly, but target bars and restaurants that have a history of serving underage patrons or typically attract younger individuals.
According to the ABC, $146,000 is allocated for these law enforcement initiatives and numerous awards are available.
For local colleges and universities, three grant programs are available.
The first is for a “College Summit” on underage drinking in which local stakeholders – community leaders, campus, law enforcement, liquor retailers, prevention specialists, fraternal societies and educators – come together for an in-depth training session on the issue of underage drinking.
There is one award for $35,000 allocated for an institution interested in providing this summit.
ABC is seeking proposals for a similar program that develops a coalition from different groups interested in combating underage drinking.
Up to three awards of $5,000 each are available for this initiative.
Local colleges can also apply to host a Lollanobooza event on their campus. This event is designed to provide alcohol-free activities and programs for students.
Three awards of $5,000 are available for this initiative.
For private, non-profit, governmental and other agencies, several other program grants are available.
The “Dangers of Underage Drinking” billboard/calendar initiative was designed to encourage middle school students and their parents to work together to create images and messages depicting the dangers of underage drinking.
There is $25,000 allocated for this initiative and one award is available.
Similarly, the “Dangers of Underage Drinking” radio public service announcement program would ask state middle school students to create a written 30-second radio announcement talking directly to parents about their role in preventing underage alcohol use.
There is $20,000 available in this grant and only one award is available.
The “Fatal Vision Goggles” program uses special eyewear as a tool to inform middle and high school students about the impact of alcohol on perception and body control.
There is $13,000 for this initiative and the one award available includes the use of nine goggle kits.
ABC is also seeking proposals for a grassroots effort designed to combat underage drinking. The comprehensive initiative must involve parent, youth and peer leadership groups, educators, community leaders and local law enforcement.
There is $40,000 allocated for this initiative and one award is available. A minimum of five municipalities or counties must be included in the proposal.
Applications for these grants must be received by the ABC by Jan. 18 and results should be available by March 21, 2008.
Application packets can be obtained by contacting Kelly Troilo at (609) 984-2656 or by visiting the ABC Web site at www.nj.gov/lps/abc.
Contact Hart at (609) 886-8600 Ext 35 or at: jhart@cmcherald.com
