Illinois' First Lady and the Illinois Liquor Control Commission Unveil Chicago Bears Posters Targeting Underage Alcohol Prevention

CHICAGO--Illinois' First Lady Lura Lynn Ryan and the Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC) today unveiled two posters featuring Chicago Bears receiver Marty Booker and cornerback Jerry Azumah designed to discourage underage drinking and alcohol sales to minors.

The posters are part of the ILCC's underage alcohol prevention program entitled PROJECT 21, which is a collaborative effort between the ILCC, the Illinois State Police, local liquor commissioners and local law enforcement in a statewide crackdown on underage drinking and sales to minors. Over the past year, PROJECT 21 seminars have been held in 55 municipalities throughout the State of Illinois.

For the second year, ILCC is joined by the "Be Real" campaign and the Chicago Bears in the "Under 21 Bear Down on Underage Sales" campaign. Be Real is a part of the "Futures for Kids" initiative that is the statewide resource created by Governor Ryan for programs and policies related to the health, safety and education of infants, children and teenagers. The Be Real campaign targets 10 to 14 year olds with the message that it is cool not to use alcohol, tobacco or other drugs. The program encourages youth to take pride in their talents, achievements and interests, while remaining alcohol, tobacco and drug free.

"Be Real and Under 21 are tackling some of the most serious problems surrounding alcohol and substance abuse, not only where they exist but also where they start," Mrs. Ryan said.

"By targeting parents, teachers, liquor licensees and children with different strategies and the same ‘no use' message we are able to have a greater impact on children's lives."

The two posters will be sent to all of Illinois's liquor licensees, plus 75 colleges and universities in the state. The posters are also available on-line through the ILCC website. The laws and penalties of drinking underage and serving a minor are listed on the bottom of the posters. Funding for the posters came from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration-Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Traffic Safety.

The Illinois Liquor Control Commission is the state regulatory agency that ensures liquor licensees comply with the provisions of the Liquor Control Act. The Commission provides industry education programs that focus on enforcement practices, interpretations of Illinois liquor control laws, reduction programs on illegal sales of alcoholic beverages to minors, and licensed training on responsible server and seller practices. In addition, the ILCC is designated as the lead agency in developing a strategy for reducing the availability and delivery of tobacco products to minors.

For more information, call (312) 814-0706, write to the Illinois Liquor Control Commission at 100 W. Randolph Street., Suite 5-300, Chicago, IL 60601, or visit us on the web at www.state.il.us/lcc.