The sale of alcoholic beverages to minors

This study reports the findings of a field trial designed to assess the extent of alcohol sales to minors in one county in northwest New Jersey. Two 19-year-old males were successful in purchasing alcoholic beverages in 27 of 46 (58.7 percent) establishments visited. On the following day, 23 of the establishments that sold the alcohol were visited again and, on this occasion, 18 (78.3 percent) sold alcohol to the minor. This study supports the findings from surveys that show that underage drinkers can obtain alcohol with ease. Many community groups are now taking action to rectify this situation, and data of the type reported in this paper can be used to assess the effectiveness of their actions.