Anti 'alcopops' campaign underway
DURHAM (WTVD) -- Opponents call them "alcopops", but they're better known as the fruit-flavored beers, malt liquors and other adult beverages found on many convenience store shelves. They are the reason why a small army of determined college and high school students visited three of the stores Saturday bearing red stickers that warn about the danger of under-aged drinking.
Each member of the group greeted the clerk on duty with a smile and a handshake, and then lined up outside the store's wall-sized drink cooler. They targeted brands that seem to send subliminal messages to young people who see them when it's a hot, thirsty day.
"Sparks is also an energy drink," said adult organizer Wanda Boone, "But unless you look very closely, you wouldn't be able to see that it contains 8% alcohol."
Boone called ahead to four Durham stores where she wanted the students to attach warning stickers on specific bottles and cans. Store owners agree to sign non-binding agreements to watch out for under-aged drinkers.
"People said that I was crazy, that nobody would sign up, But with over 300, I think we've proved them wrong!" said Boone.
She had the enthusiastic support of store clerk Ahmad Abuodeh.
"We check his ID, wherever he is. The first thing we ask for is ID, before we ring it up, before we put it in the bag for him," said Abuodeh.
We also met 17-year-old high school student Angel Whitehead.
"This one small sticker can make a really big change. That's one less life being lost. So I am gonna talk to people about alcoholic beverages and how they're not good for you," she explained.
There's more information about the campaign against alcopops at durhamtry.org.
