March 26, 2010 - Underage drinking is a problem in every community.  The vast majority of alcohol being consumed by underage drinkers is purchased by someone over the legal drinking age.  Did you know you could be arrested for providing alcohol to a minor?

To help spread the word about this issue, on Thursday, March 25, Officer Jim Koch (Vernon Hills Police Department SRO), Margaret Pither (Vernon Hills High School SAP Coordinator) and five Vernon Hills High School seniors (Michelle Sanchez, Laura Emery, Laura Borgula, Cole Moffat and Rory Klema) visited six businesses in Vernon Hills that sell alcohol products (Peacock Mobil, Ernie's Shell and Food Mart, Dominick's Finer Foods, 7-Eleven, Manny's Mini Mart and Mobil Gas & Food), in conjunction with Project Sticker Shock. 

Project Sticker Shock is a statewide event desinged to raise awareness about the underage drinking problem  The students were armed with warning stickers, window decals, posters and Proof of Age signs that were created by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission. 

The timing of this project could not have been better, since Vernon Hills High School students begin Spring Break after school on Friday, March 26.  Also, April has been designated Alcohol Awareness Month, and prom and graduation are quickly approaching. 

The Vernon Hills Police Department thanks the student volunteers and the participating businesses for their support in helping to keep our community safe.

For more information on the statewide project, click here.