Underage drinking is becoming an increasing problem across the state of Louisiana. According to a new study by the Louisiana State Epidemiological Workgroup, young people under the age of 21 are consuming booze at a rate 11-percent higher that others their age across the nation.

This phenomenon is attributed to many local establishments selling alcohol to minors, which is a constant battle for law enforcement. “We put undercover kids who are under 21 in stores and have them attempt to purchase alcohol. We do spot checks, like that on a pretty regular basis to ensure compliance across the parish,” said one Louisiana Sheriff’s spokesperson.

In addition, many state law enforcement agencies are positioning undercover cops at various events and festivals in an attempt to bust those people contributing to the delinquency of minors.

“Underage drinking is a problem — I know that a lot of parents don't want to face the fact that their child may be drinking, and if we lived in a perfect world maybe they wouldn't,” Ava Fontenot, Mothers Against Drunk Driving Houma chapter chairwoman, tells The Daily Comet. “It's better to educate them and let them know the dangers of what can happen then to just blindly sit back and say 'Oh, my child doesn't do that.'”

 

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