Beer, wine and alcohol consumers may experience a different kind of “sticker shock” this month when buying adult beverages in local stores: Patrons will see warning stickers on adult beverages in Boothbay Harbor stores. “Sticker Shock” is a program sponsored by Maine law enforcement agencies to warn adults about underage drinking. 

May 11, high school students placed stickers on adult beverages in four local stores. Boothbay Region High School students Ariel Alamo, Colby Allen, Kate Campbell and Gryffin Kristan are Student Health Advisory Board members. The four placed warning labels on adult beverages at Pinkham’s Market, Walgreens, Circle K and Hannaford. These students volunteered for the program after BRHS health officer Mindy LaBrecque told them about it.

“I think this is a worthwhile project to educate people about the dangers of underage drinking,” Allen said. “We do this a couple times a year to remind both students and adults about the penalties.”

Boothbay Harbor police officer Larry Brown has been involved in the promotion for several years. “The idea behind this is letting the public know about the penalties related to if they provide alcohol to minors,” he said. “With school proms and graduation approaching, this is a good time to get the message out.”

The local promotion is sponsored by BRHS Health Advisory Board, Boothbay Harbor Police Department, Boothbay Region YMCA and Healthy Lincoln County. Brown believes local students understand the project’s message. “Over the years I see kids talking about it and that reminds them about the penalties for selling of alcohol to anyone under 21,” he said.