Shoulder Taps Survey

On Wednesday evening, May 26, 2011, three teens stood in front of Nichols Package Store on Wahconah Street in Pittsfield and approached customers as they were entering the store.  “Excuse me, we’re not old enough to buy anything here.  If we gave you money, would you mind buying a six-pack for us?” the teens asked.  Most of the customers were angry with the kids for asking, and said no immediately.  Then the teens, members of the Red Cross Youth Leadership Program, were quick to explain that they were actually conducting a survey for the Pittsfield Prevention Partnership.  They handed customers a small yellow card that read “Thank you for helping save a life!”  When the customers understood that the purpose of the survey was to educate the community about underage drinking laws and the dangers of supplying alcohol to minors, their attitudes changed completely.

Only one of the 25 adults surveyed actually said that he would buy beer for the teens that evening..  The informational card the customers received from the teens listed the potential penalties in Massachusetts for providing alcohol to young people under 21 years of age:  arrest, a fine up to $2000 and/or imprisonment up to six months.  Shoulder Taps surveys are not a “sting” action, and no laws are broken because the question posed by the teens is only hypothetical; no money ever changes hands, and no adults ever have the opportunity to actually provide any of the teens with beer.  An undercover police officer provides security, and remains within sight of the students during the survey.

The survey was one of several activities the PPP has conducted this month to highlight the need to keep teens safe during the busy prom and graduation season.  The Red Cross Youth Leadership Program also performed at the PPP’s Safe Prom Presentation and
teamed up with the PPP to conduct Sticker Shock at ten liquor stores in Pittsfield.  During Sticker Shock, the teens visited participating liquor stores and placed stickers on multi-packs of beer and winecoolers.  The stickers were designed by a student and read, “Don’t spend a wage on those underage!”, reminding customers of the 21 year old drinking age. 

Thanks to the students who volunteered to work to make this a safe prom and graduation season and special thanks to Dr. Don Scherling, the Key Note Speaker at the Safe Prom Presentation, and to Nichol’s Package Store for continuing to participate in Sticker Shock and Shoulder Taps!