WESTPORT — The “Liquor Sticker” campaign to raise awareness about underage drinking in town will continue through the summer.

The effort, organized by the Westport Prevention Coalition, is being promoted by 11 local liquor stores that display materials warning about problems associated with underage drinking.

Liquor stickers, also available from the stores, provide customers with a tool to curb youth alcohol use by sealing bottles to reduce access, according to the coalition.

A 2021 survey conducted by the coalition of Westport youth in seventh through 12 grades, found:

• 25 percent drank within the past month.

• 9 percent of middle school students.

• 33 percent of high school students, which is higher than the state average reported in 2019. 

• 60 of high school seniors drank during the past month.

The Westport Prevention Coalition strives to highlight the dangers reflected in the survey findings, with both information and programs, such as the liquor stickers. The coalition is a partnership between the town’s Human Services Department and Positive Directions, with collaboration from other community organizations.

Stores participating in the campaign include: Castle Wine and Spirits, Black Bear Wine and Spirits, Dan’s Liquors, Fine Wine Company of Westport and Ninety 9 Bottles.

Also, The Grapevine, Kindred Spirits, Greens Farms Spirit Shop, International Wine Shop, Bev Max and Westport Wine and Spirits.

“When a teen sees the sticker on the bottle top, they’ll know that their parents will be aware that the bottle has been opened,” Margaret Watt, the coalition co-chairwoman, said in a press statement.

“Many residents have more alcohol on hand for summer get-togethers,” Watt added. “This is a great time for parents to discuss underage drinking with their kids and take precautions at home to prevent children from accessing it.”

Kevin Godburn, Westport’s youth services director and coalition co-chairman, said in the statement: “Substance use in the teen years can disrupt healthy brain development and create a potential for lifelong consequences, including a future of addiction and mental health problems.”

For more information about the liquor sticker campaign and other Westport Prevention Coalition programs, email info@positivedirections.org.