Enforcing laws that keep minors from buying and consuming alcohol is a critical component of policy implementation. This is largely done through compliance checks, which test whether retailers will sell alcohol to underage decoys. Done in conjunction with local law enforcement or alcohol beverage control agencies, those who sell alcohol to minors may receive legal or administrative sanctions to deter future violations.

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Resources

Elder, R. W., Lawrence, B. A., Janes, G., Brewer, R. D., Toomey, T. L., Hingson, R. W., ... & Fielding, J. (2007). Enhanced enforcement of laws prohibiting sale of alcohol to minors: systematic review of effectiveness for reducing sales and underage drinking. Transportation research circular, 2007(E-C123), 181-188. Available online here.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC. (2004). Enhanced enforcement of laws to prevent alcohol sales to underage persons--New Hampshire, 1999-2004. MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report, 53(21), 452. Available online here.  

Wagenaar, A. C., Toomey, T. L., & Erickson, D. J. (2005). Preventing youth access to alcohol: outcomes from a multi‐community time‐series trial. Addiction, 100(3), 335-345. Available online here.

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