Own Up Campaign Launches to Prevent Underage Drinking in Arizona

To combat underage drinking, the Beverage Alcohol Community Information Council (BACIC) in collaboration with the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety announced Own Up, a new campaign to address underage drinking.   The Own Up campaign is a compliment to the various programs implemented by Arizona’s beverage-alcohol industry that seek to encourage a responsibility-mindset when it comes to alcohol.  Own Up will target teens, parents, educators, local restaurants, bars and other influencers with in-school promotions, partnerships and resources to change the mindset about underage drinking and its far-reaching implications.

“We are launching this campaign because we see an opportunity to change the mindset surrounding underage drinking by embracing a different approach that uses creative programs and partnerships designed to catch the attention of everyone involved in the alcohol conversation,” said Steve Chucri, Chairman of BACIC. “With this campaign, we’ll strive to influence the influencers and educate teens about being responsible young men and women.”

While alcohol use by people under 21 years of age is decreasing, irresponsible youth alcohol consumption is still a problem that requires attention.  In Arizona, innovative outreach efforts and key messaging have proven effective and this new campaign will build on this success by bringing a new dynamic to raising awareness in teens. 

“We have made great strides in the prevention of youth alcohol use over the past few years and look to innovative programs like Own Up to raise the awareness about the dangers of underage drinking,” said Director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, Alberto Gutier. “Reducing the propensity of Arizona citizens adversely impacted by underage drinking and shifting youth attitudes towards drinking in a constructive way, helps preserve the innocence of Arizona’s youth, which is a priority for our organization as the ripple effects of positive change will be felt for years to come.”

Own Up seeks community involvement through a variety of channels, including a Facebook page with tools and resources on how to have the alcohol conversation; a social forum for discussions about underage drinking; and grassroots programming at Arizona universities and high schools. Own Up-sponsored school programming will initially entail in-school assemblies and a program for alcohol-free prom parties that encourage teens to celebrate without alcohol. Own Up is also developing partnerships with university health and wellness departments and sponsoring an annual scholarship program for students.

As the campaign evolves throughout the next year, Own Up plans to engage restaurants with programming to prevent underage drinking and explore partnerships with sports teams to encourage alcohol-free high school athletic programs.

The Own Up initiative is sponsored by BACIC, a collective voice for Arizona companies and trade organizations, sharing a common interest in providing information to Arizona communities about beverage alcohol issues through education, advocacy, public awareness and community outreach.   Represented in the ranks of BACIC is Young’s Market Company, Hensley, Southern Wine & Spirits, Alliance Beverage Distributing, Golden Eagle Distributing, Wine Institute, Arizona Licensed Beverage Association, Beer and Wine Distributors of Arizona, Crescent Crown Distributing, Arizona Restaurant Association, and Arizona Food Marketing Alliance, AnheuserBusch, MillerCoors, and Finley Distributing.

Parents and teens can access information, tools and resources at www.facebook.com/Own-Up.

About Own Up
The Own Up initiative is a proactive responsibility campaign with an edge, designed to stimulate open, honest and continued dialog about the consequences of underage drinking. It’s a social platform where parents, teens and influencers can engage in real discussion and find support to help them understand their role and be proactive in the alcohol conversation. The Own Up campaign encourages teens and parents to Own Up and be part of a movement that will change a mindset. Own Up is sponsored by the Beverage Alcohol Community Information Council (BACIC), a collective voice for Arizona companies and trade organization, sharing a common interest in providing information to Arizona communities about beverage alcohol issues through education, advocacy, public awareness and community outreach.