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Okmulgee authorities cite businesses for selling alcohol to minors

Authorities in Okmulgee County set out to see if a campaign to curb the sale of alcohol to minors is working there.

Surveys show that 77 percent of Okmulgee County High School students drink alcohol. And recent compliance checks show 50 percent of businesses there are selling to minors.

That's a statistic authorities want to see improve. So the county launched a media campaign aimed at drawing attention to the issue. They've put up posters, billboards and placed ads in the local newspaper.

Wednesday night authorities tested the campaign with another compliance check. They sent underage teens into stores to see if they could buy alcohol.

Bristow High School senior Zachary Eldredge says, "There's so many problems that occur in high school because of drunk driving and binge drinking. I think the most effective obstacle to put in front of people when trying to drink underage is to remove the source. Stores are not the only source, but it's a very easy source to target."

Out of the 35 Okmulgee County business that were tested Wednesday night, six sold alcohol to minors. Organizers say that proves the campaign is making a difference, but they know there is still work to be done.

Chrissy Teague is the Drug Free Community Coordinator for Okmulgee County. She tells 2NEWS, "The compliance rate is an issue. We know our kids are getting access to alcohol. And we want to prevent that."

Organizers conduct compliance checks in Okmulgee County three to four times a year to ensure that businesses remain vigilant when it comes to carding young people for alcohol and tobacco.