Harrisburg – In an effort to continue the dialogue about the dangers of underage drinking, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) is encouraging students from across the commonwealth to participate in the 28th annual Alcohol Awareness Poster Contest.
“Research shows that one in three kids has tried alcohol by age 8, and by age 12 that number jumps to two out of three,” said PLCB Chairman Tim Holden. “Parents and educators play a critical role in educating children about the dangers of alcohol from a young age, and our poster contest offers a fun and creative way to start those important conversations.”
The contest is open to all Pennsylvania students in kindergarten through 12th grade, including those who are home-schooled or in private or parochial schools. Students may enter through their schools, clubs, or scout troops, or individually.
Entries must feature a clear no-use message about underage drinking and may be created using any artistic medium. Students are encouraged to use positive messages and images, such as the benefits of being alcohol-free or alternatives to underage drinking.
Posters are selected by a panel of judges for acknowledgement, and each artist who creates a selected poster will be notified of his or her accomplishment and awarded prize money and/or recognition by the PLCB. Artwork may be reproduced in various formats and distributed across Pennsylvania.
Entries must be postmarked no later than Friday, Dec. 20. For additional information about submission dates and guidelines, review the contest guidelines and entry form available at lcb.pa.gov under “Education,” then “Poster Contest.”
Questions about the contest may be directed to 717.772.1432 or RA-LBEducation@pa.gov.
The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board works to educate the public about the dangers of underage and dangerous drinking through a variety of avenues, including a poster contest for students in kindergarten through 12th grade, a free annual alcohol educational conference, a prevention campaign – Know When. Know How.SM – targeted to underage drinking, the creation and distribution of a wide range of educational materials, and training and technical assistance for organizations working to address the issues related to irresponsible consumption. The PLCB also provides millions of dollars in alcohol education grants to communities, educational institutions, and law enforcement agencies.
The PLCB regulates the distribution of beverage alcohol in Pennsylvania, operates more than 600 wine and spirits stores statewide, and licenses 20,000 alcohol producers, retailers, and handlers. The PLCB also works to reduce and prevent dangerous and underage drinking through partnerships with schools, community groups, and licensees. Taxes and store profits – totaling nearly $18.5 billion since the agency’s inception – are returned to Pennsylvania’s General Fund, which finances Pennsylvania’s schools, health and human services programs, law enforcement, and public safety initiatives, among other important public services. The PLCB also provides financial support for the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, other state agencies, and local municipalities across the state. For more information about the PLCB, visit lcb.pa.gov.
MEDIA CONTACT: Shawn M. Kelly, 717.783.8864
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