Alcohol checks show 78.5% compliance in Marathon Co.

In 2024, the Marathon County Health Department partnered with law enforcement agencies across the county to conduct alcohol compliance checks. These checks prevent alcohol sales to underage youth and young adults.

During alcohol compliance checks, a young adult (ages 18-20), under the direct supervision of law enforcement, attempts to purchase alcohol at a bar, restaurant, gas station, liquor store, or grocery store. Each year, establishments are notified that alcohol compliance checks will be occurring, and are provided with resources to support staff training.

Out of Marathon County’s 395 alcohol establishments, 79 were checked and 62 (78.5%), refused to sell alcohol to an underage young adult. Since compliance checks began in 2023, Marathon County’s compliance rate has increased by 20%, showing their effectiveness in preventing underage alcohol sales.

According to the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 18% of Marathon County high school teens reported that they drank alcohol in the past 30 days. Underage alcohol consumption increases the risk of depression, anxiety, and substance misuse. It can also harm the parts of the brain that control memory, learning, and self-control (WI DHS, 2024).

Alcohol compliance checks create healthier communities by recognizing establishments that don’t sell alcohol to underage young adults and educating those that do. These checks are proven to reduce alcohol availability to individuals who are under the age of 21.

For facts about underage drinking and tips on starting a conversation with youth, visit Small Talks WI at: https://www.dhs.wisconsin. gov/small-talks/index.htm.