THE SALE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES TO MINORS

This study reports the findings of a field trial designed to assess th e extent of alcohol sales to minors in one county in northwest New Jer sey. Two 19-year-old males were successful in purchasing alcoholic bev erages in 27 of 46 (58.7 percent) establishments visited. On the follo wing day, 23 of the establishments that sold the alcohol were visited again and on this occasion, 18 (78.3 percent) sold alcohol to the mino r. This study supports the findings from surveys that show that undera ge drinkers can obtain alcohol with ease. Many community groups are no w taking action to rectify this situation, and data of the type report ed in this paper can be used to assess the effectiveness of their acti ons.