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EAST WINDSOR: New program targets underage drinking

By Heather Niccoli, Special Writer
   EAST WINDSOR — Mayor Janice Mironov has launched, with the support of township business owners, the “We Check for 21” campaign, which is a new initiative to prevent the occurrence of underage drinking at local restaurants, clubs and retail sales.
   ”The primary objective of the program is to bring together local officials, citizens and license holders with the goal of deterring underage drinking,” said Mayor Mironov.
   Local liquor license holders are required to sign the new pledge in order to renew their liquor license.
   ”We need some type of control on underage drinking, so they don’t hurt themselves or anyone else, especially with underage drinking and driving,” said Marielou Armstrong, 24, who works as a bartender at Peddie Golf Club.
   ”Kids somehow manage to get drinks, whether it be through a fake ID or asking people to buy them liquor for them,” said Ms. Armstrong.
   Some of the liquor holders involved in supporting this program are: The Legends Bar and Grill, The City Street Café, The Peddie Golf Club and Club 8 A Corp.
   All participants have brochures, coasters, stickers and buttons that are giveaways.
   The program is being funded by a grant from East Windsor Municipal Alliance for the Prevention of Substance Abuse.
   ”We believe that all communities should be concerned about the general welfare and safety of young people,” Mayor Mironov said.
   10,839 people died in crashes involving a drunk driver across America in 2009, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Additionally, one in three Americans will be involved in a drunk driving vehicle collision during their lifetime.