Editorial: All need to fight underage drinking

Monday, Feb. 25, 2002 | 8:46 a.m.

From the governor's office comes this troubling news: Nevadans younger than 21 drink at a higher rate than their peers in other states. The information comes from a newly released governor's advisory commission report, which included the findings of a 1999 survey of minors showing that 53 percent in Nevada said they drink alcohol compared with 50 percent nationally.

The state is doing something about it -- sending CD-ROMS, which detail the dangerous potential of alcohol, to high school students and college freshmen. We're encouraged to see the private sector also getting involved. One Las Vegas bar even pays its doormen for every fake identification card seized from would-be underage drinkers. The tangible result is about 100 fake IDs a month out of the hands of minors. Closer monitoring of young patrons sends a message that the 21-year age requirement is to be taken seriously and will be enforced.

The government cannot reduce underage drinking by itself. It needs full cooperation not only from bars and restaurants, but from community leaders and parents as well.