Westport has lots of liquor.
And liquor stores.
Eleven now participate in the Westport Prevention Coalition’s “Liquor Sticker” campaign.
Participating shops display “liquor stickers” and informational material at their counters.
The stickers are used to seal previously opened bottles. The idea is that teenagers will see them in their parents’ liquor cabinets, and decide not to open them.
It’s an awareness and education tool for both youngsters and adults, says Margaret Watt. She co-chairs the WPC, a partnership of Westport’s Youth and Human Services Department, Positive Directions, and other local groups.
Liquor stickers, at a store counter.
“Many residents have more alcohol on hand for summer get-togethers,” Watt says.
“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.”
The WCP notes that a 2021 Positive Direction youth survey showed Westport teens drinking at a rate higher than the 2019 state average.
That’s “eye-opening,” the Coalition says, because ’21 occurred during the pandemic, when social opportunities were somewhat limited.
Store owners have reported positive customer reaction to the “Liquor Sticker” campaign.
“They’ve been very popular,” says the owner of Dan’s Liquors. “Everybody says that they’re a great product, that it’s a really interesting idea.”
Participating stores include:
- Castle Wine and Spirits
- Black Bear Wine and Spirits
- Dan’s Liquors
- The Fine Wine Company of Westport
- Ninety 9 Bottles
- The Grapevine
- Kindred Spirits
- Greens Farms Spirit Shop
- International Wine Shop
- Westport Wine and Spirits
- BevMax
Retailers and community members can emailinfo@positivedirections.org to learn more.
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