The Blog

Sharon Foster, Chair of Washington State Liquor Control Board Sharon Foster, Chair of Washington State Liquor Control Board

09/23/09

As a parent, and in my professional role as Chair of the Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB), I’m concerned about our children’s access to alcohol.

Underage drinking is a major health concern in Washington State. Washington youth are drinking earlier in life and more often than their parents realize. Just consider the numbers of students who report drinking alcohol within the last 30 days. According to the
2008 Health Youth Survey, which is administered to students statewide:

  • 16 percent of 8th graders,

  • 32 percent of 10th graders, and

  • 41 percent of 12th graders.

Further, Washington youth report that they drink and drive, binge drink, and ride in cars with drivers who have been drinking. They say it is easy to get alcohol at parties, from friends or at home – with or without permission.

Parents, the evidence is clear, studies show that we are the No. 1 influence on whether teens choose to drink. Too often, however, we just don’t always realize our impact.
Parents can find more information about underage drinking and tips for talking to their children about alcohol on the WSLCB Alcohol Education Web site at www.liq.wa.gov and the Washington State Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking Web site at www.StartTalkingNow.org.

In addition, to increase awareness of underage drinking issues and motivate parents to talk to their kids about alcohol, the WSLCB is beginning the second year of its alcohol awareness poster campaign in all 161 state liquor stores. This campaign offers the WSLCB a unique opportunity to reach parents at our stores with regular messages about underage drinking. We want to remind parents of the vital role they play in reducing underage drinking in our state.

Liquor Control Board Chair Sharon Foster was appointed in August 2009. She is the parent of five children. Her term expires in 2015.