Probationary Consumption License Initiative

No one should believe that this will be an immediate cure to the problem of alcohol abuse. It may take a generation to instill in our youth the concept that alcohol can be enjoyed in moderation. Current strategies have been ineffective and it's time for a re-thinking of how society is addressing the problem. 

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What privileges do possessing a Probationary Consumption License provide?

 

A PCL will give a qualified individual aged 18-20 the right to purchase and consume beer and wine in a public setting, such as a bar, restaurant, sporting event, family gathering, corporate event, concert, and in moderation. It does NOT allow the purchase of alcohol at a liquor store or grocery store.

 

Who can obtain a PCL?

 

In order for an 18 -20 year old to receive a PCL, they must have

• a clean record free of alcohol and drug related problems

• a high school diploma

• passed an educational course

• paid a registration fee

 

These incentives work to control behavior while in high school, and prevents anyone still in high school from obtaining the PCL.

So how would they risk losing this license?

 

A PCL would be revoked if the person is caught

• driving while under the influence

• attempting to purchase alcohol at a retail store or for anyone underage or without a PCL

• being in possession of a fake ID

• exceeding the consumption limit

• purchasing or consuming spirits

• in commission of a crime

 

 

Can a revoked license be reacquired?

 

Yes. Six months after a person loses the license and continues to qualify s/he may reapply after passing a remedial education course. 

 

Would only one strike on a high school student's record void their ability to acquire a PCL for the next three years?

 

A major factor in the success of the PCL program is the incentive for those under 18 to avoid alcohol, especially the binge drinking and 'pregaming' that occurs too frequently now. But to prevent an otherwise responsible young adult from obtaining a PCL for one blemish on their record would be unfair and counter to the purpose of the PCL - to provide a 'training period'.  Additional remedial classes and community service could be required to clear a record, thus allowing a PCL to be obtained. 

 

How does allowing early consumption lower the rate of binge drinking and alcohol abuse among young people?

 

It should be understood that this is not an immediate solution to the problem, but will see results over time. By providing young people an atmosphere to watch sports and live music, meet with friends, dine, and act mature, their behavior can be witnessed by others and they will see how older adults consume alcohol. When young people realize the enjoyment of socializing in a public space with a beer or glass of wine, they will not want to lose this privilege, knowing their friends will be going out without them. 

 

After the PCL is accepted as a norm for those who earn the right, high school students will practice much better behavior, knowing that they will be able to drink LEGALLY if they can just avoid abusing alcohol before they graduate and turn 18. Many students on a sports team who risk a playing position or sitting out games if they are caught drinking have learned to refrain. It is not a radical idea that young people can practice self discipline. 

 

What are the societal benefits to this idea?

 

Primarily, that young people would, over three years, learn how to enjoy a night out without drinking to excess. By creating a culture of responsible social drinking, we lower the amount of binge drinking that occurs nationwide, thereby lowering the rates of alcohol related sexual abuse, risky behavior, hospitalizations, alcohol poisoning, and more.  Does this cure the problem? Of course not. Will it have a measurable positive effect? We firmly believe it will.

 

Do you have a question not addressed here? Please submit any questions by e-mail to pclinitiative@gmail.com

 

 

Why do you think it will actually solve the problem? 

 

Nothing can completely solve the problem of alcohol abuse. The concept is based on the success of a Junior Operator License, which restricts new drivers to an initial six month period with no additional passengers (except family), a 12:30am curfew, with the loss of license, fines and more education if the rules are broken. In Massachusetts, a probationary license for new drivers has reduced fatal vehicle accidents 75% and speeding infractions 60%. Yet there are still fatal accidents. But do we think it will decrease the rate of irresponsible drinking, and all the additional problems that come with it? Absolutely!

 

This idea runs counter to common thinking - that increasing the ability to consume alcohol will decrease consumption. Yet with the incentives for those in high school to control their drinking knowing they will soon be rewarded with the ability to enjoy a legal drink, dangerous consumption will decrease. Young people react to peer pressure. Those on a sports team know the penalties from doing drugs or drinking - they will lose their position, have to sit out games, possibly lose any scholarship they are being considered for - with these incentives most do refrain. Young people can act responsibly if all their friends do!

 

What restrictions would be in place?

 

Probationary consumers would be limited to

• beer and wine only

• one drink per hour

• two drink maximum in a continuous period

• midnight cut off

 

How can consumption be monitored?

 

Bars and restaurants already have a legal responsibility to avoid over-serving anyone, and can be held liable for damages incurred by an intoxicated patron. So the first line of monitoring is at the establishment. In addition, each physical license will be retained by the establishment and each drink will be entered into a database using a magnetic strip and swipe method, just like a drink is charged to a credit card. This database will also flag any PCL holder who chooses to 'bar-hop' with the hop of exceeding the restrictions above. Current technology may also allow a smart phone app to monitor consumption. 

 

Who will pay for this new infrastructure?

 

Fees collected for each license will help fund the infrastructure. 

 

Would all bars and restaurants be required to serve PCL holders?

 

No. Recognizing that some bars may not want to serve young people, any bar and restaurant may opt out of this if it chooses to. Some may find that additional business hard to turn down, others may find it less beneficial to their business. 

 

Would any bar that wants to serve PCL holders be allowed to?

 

Each bar must meet certain standards to be approved to serve PCL holders. Any bar that has been fined for safety or licensing violations would not be approved. Bars that cater to unsavory patrons or that have a reputation for drug dealing, prostitution or other issues would not be approved. Strip clubs would not be approved. 

 

What educational course is required?

 

Common high school health classes already addressing substance abuse. A single after school class specifically addressing the benefits of possessing a PCL, as well as all the responsibilites that come with that, would be required. Completing the course and passing a written test would also be required. This test will focus primarily on consumption limits, behavioral expectations, and penalties.

 

Won't this just lead to more impaired drivers on the road?

 

Mothers Against Drunk Driving initiated a brilliant stategy to curtail impaired driving called the Designated Driver, which has been very effective, and also well received by young people.  We fully endorse this idea. However, the one drink per hour restriction, coupled with the two drink maximum is within recommended (and taught) levels of consumption that maintain sobriety. This is certainly an aspect of the PCL that will be addressed in the education course. 

 

Do you have a question not addressed here? Please submit any questions by e-mail to pclinitiative@gmail.com