The stickers serve as reminders for adults not to purchase alcohol to minors this holiday season.

By Savath Young

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Somerville Cares About Prevention’s (SCAP) youth group, “Somerville Positive Forces” will work together to distribute between 7,000 and 15,000 warning stickers to discourage the purchase of alcohol to minors at half of the 27 liquor store retailers, bars and restaurants this holiday season.

The Sticker Shock campaign is in its sixth year working with retailers and in its second year working with liquor-serving establishments. In order to reach a broader community and reflect the diversity of Somerville’s residents, the stickers will be translated in over seven languages, including Vietnamese, Spanish, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole.

According to Cory Mashburn, director of the city’s Office of Prevention, “We conducted a student health survey for the city and it was apparent from the survey that alcohol was the most prevalent issue concerning both youth and adults today. We have gotten such encouraging feedback from business owners and they have been so receptive towards us, especially since they see that the youth are really behind the effort.

The youth advisors go out with the volunteers equipped with stickers, brochures, coasters and table tents that display the message, “Hey You!  It’s illegal to provide alcohol for people under 21,” and they place the stickers on multi-packs of beer and paper bags and store owners also display our signs at their checkout counters and windows.

The youth volunteers will work with the Somerville Police Department and several merchants over the next several months to alert community members about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. Jailene Escobar joined SPF because her friends were in the group and she wanted to help make a difference in the community.  “Instead of staying home and doing nothing, I can have fun and be productive at the same time. I love that I can be active in the city in such a positive way,” said Escobar.

When asked why he thinks this is the most requested program from the youth volunteers to bring back more frequently and what makes the 6th annual sticker shock campaign so successful, Mayor Curtatone said, “I think SCAP’s “Sticker Shock” is so popular with volunteers because it’s highly visible, it puts the volunteers in direct contact with merchants and restaurant owners, and because it works. It’s a great addition to the many messages of caring and community at this time of year.”

The stickers serve as reminders to adults that buying and serving alcohol to minors is illegal and the campaign helps everyone to have a safer holiday season.  For more information or to get involved with the Sticker Shock campaign, SPF and/or SCAP, please contact Cory Mashburn at (617) 625-6600, ext. 2570.