Harrisburg – The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) today released its biennial Report on Underage and High-Risk Drinking, which details current trends and rates of consumption for underage and college students and outlines statewide education and prevention initiatives to address alcohol-related issues.
The report, required by Act 85 of 2006, was produced by the PLCB in cooperation with multiple state agencies and partners in alcohol education and is presented to the General Assembly to increase awareness of alcohol issues of public health concern.
"This report always provides a fascinating look into alcohol use patterns and trends among young people across Pennsylvania. It also helps provide a road map of how parents, guardians, teachers, and other community stakeholders can begin to address challenges presented by underage and dangerous drinking," said PLCB Chairman Tim Holden.
According to the report:
- Research has shown that excessive alcohol use was responsible for an estimated one in eight deaths among adults between 20 and 64 years old.
- Approximately 4.2 million (11.1%) of 12- to 20-year-olds reported binge drinking at least once in the past month.
- In 2022, 58% of underage buyers were carded for alcohol and still served during Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement age compliance checks at liquor licensed establishments.
The 2023 PLCB report on underage and high-risk drinking:
- Highlights alcohol-related consumption trends.
- References the Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS), which measures the need for prevention services among youth in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12.
- Details the vast efforts of state agencies and their partners to reduce harmful alcohol-related occurrences and provide education throughout the commonwealth.
- Provides information on Know When. Know How. SM, the PLCB's statewide alcohol awareness campaign designed to prompt parents to spark early conversations about the dangers of alcohol with their kids.
The PLCB works to reduce underage and dangerous drinking through a variety of efforts. The agency conducts more than 2 million age verification checks annually at Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores, offers training and certification for licensees and their employees through the Responsible Alcohol Management Program (RAMP), awards dozens of grants annually to partners in prevention, hosts a free educational conference on alcohol-related issues, offers an award-winning training for resident assistants on college campuses, and collaborates with communities and organizations throughout the commonwealth dedicated to the prevention of alcohol abuse.
The PLCB's 2023 Report on Underage and High-Risk Drinking and more information about alcohol education efforts are available at lcb.pa.gov.
The PLCB regulates the distribution of beverage alcohol in Pennsylvania, operates 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 $19.5 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, 717.303.8522
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