HK Community Coalition

Empowering Youth, Building a Healthier Future

Underage Drinking Prevention

At our core, we believe in celebrating the strength and smart choices of our youth. With 86% of young people reporting they have never used alcohol, it’s clear that the majority are choosing to prioritize their health, goals, and future.

Our underage drinking prevention efforts are rooted in positivity, education, and community support—helping youth stay informed, confident, and connected. Together, we’re creating a culture where healthy choices are the norm, and every young person feels empowered to thrive.

I want info for…

of HK High School Students (Grades 9-12)

Report not having clear family rules around alcohol use.

Years Old

Average age for first use of alcohol.

How to talk to your kids about substance use.

Talk Early, Talk Often – Start conversations before middle school and continue them regularly. Keep it casual and age-appropriate. Use real-life situations (TV shows, news stories) as conversation starters.
Be Clear with Family Rules & Experiences – Be direct about your no-alcohol rules. Share the reasons behind your expectations. Remind them of the legal consequences of underage drinking.
Role Models Healthy Behaviors – Drink responsibly around your kids, or avoid alcohol entirely in their presence. Avoid glorifying drinking in stories or jokes
What to say:
- What do your friends think about drinking?”
- “How would you handle it if someone pressured you to drink?”
- “Let’s come up with a code word you can text if you need to leave a party”
Understanding the Social Host Law
- Holds individuals responsible for underage drinking or cannabis use on their property. This law aims to discourage adults from providing a place for minors to consume these substances and to prevent the negative consequences associated with underage use.
- Penalties:
  - Class A misdemeanor: Allowing minors to drink alcohol or use cannabis on your property. This can result in a fine of up to $2,000 and/or up to one year in jail for a first violation.
  - Class E felony: Providing alcohol to minors. This can result in a fine of up to $3,500 and/or up to 18 months in jail.
  - Civil Liability: You can be sued for injuries, accidents, or incidents that stem from underage drinking on your property.
- Scope: The law applies to anyone who owns, rents, or controls property where a gathering takes place, including parents and even young people who host parties.
- Cannabis Inclusion: Since the legalization of adult-use cannabis, the Social Host Law has been expanded to include cannabis as well

Resources & Tools

A hand signing a family alcohol and drug agreement.

Family Alcohol Agreement

This agreement outlines a mutual commitment between parents/caregivers and their teens, where parents promise to educate, provide a safe environment, and offer support in risky situations, while teens agree to avoid harmful substances and seek parental help when needed.

Parents and teens having a conversation.

Conversation Guide

Offers age-appropriate strategies and topics to foster open communication, build trust, and address critical issues as children grow and mature.

Safe Party Checklist

Provides essential guidelines and considerations, from guest management and supervision to emergency preparedness and responsible substance use, to ensure the well-being and security of everyone attending.

Need Help?
If you need immediate mental health support, please call or text 988.

If you’re concerned your child may already be drinking, you should talk to your child’s pediatrician.

Haddam Killingworth Youth and Family Services

HKYFS is committed to enhancing child and youth development, enriching families, and promoting healthy Haddam and Killingworth communities.

Kyana Anderson
Prevention and Youth Program Coordinator

Tel. +1 (860) 345-7498

Preventioncoordinator@hkyfs.org

BHCare

BHcare is a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic. We provide a comprehensive and integrated system of care, with wrap-around services for adults, children and families struggling with mental health, substance use, domestic violence and other health-risk behaviors.

Tel. +1 (203) 736-2601

CT Clearinghouse

CT Clearinghouse is a comprehensive resource center providing information on substance use and mental health disorders, prevention and health promotion, treatment and recovery, wellness and other related topics.

Tel. +1 (800) 232-4424

ctclearinghouse.org

Hartford Healthcare – Rushford

Rushford is the region’s leading provider of teen addiction treatment programs. Our continuum of substance abuse services for teens includes early intervention, evaluation and assessment, outpatient and residential treatment, and relapse prevention.

Tel. +1 (877) 577-3233

rushford.org/teen-services

Wheeler Clinic

Wheeler’s Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery Services for Youth and Families offers a comprehensive continuum of early intervention, outpatient and intensive in-home levels of substance abuse treatment services and recovery supports for youth struggling with substance use, in addition to new engagement and empowerment supports for their families.

Tel. +1 (888) 793-3500

wheelerclinic.org

2-1-1 Connecticut

2-1-1 is the confidential, free, 24-hour a day, and multilingual way to locate hundreds of human services in your area.

Tel. 2-1-1

of youth do no use alcohol

How to say “No”

Blame Something Else

“I’ve got practice tomorrow, can’t risk it.”
“My parents would literally ground me forever.”

Keep it Short & Confident

“Nah, I’m good.”
“Not my thing.”
“I don’t drink.”

Use Humor

“I’m clumsy enough without alcohol, thanks!”
“If I drink, I’ll start karaoke-ing. Nobody needs that.”

Have a “go to” excuse ready

“I’m driving.”
“I’m on medication.”
“I promised someone I wouldn’t.”

Change the subject or distract

“No thanks—hey, did you hear about what happened at the game?”

Stick with people who have your back

Bring or hang out with friends who also don’t drink. It’s easier to say no together.

Quick Tips to Keep In Mind

Confidence is key. Say no like you mean it—even if you’re nervous.
You don’t owe anyone an explanation. A simple “no” is enough.
Practice ahead of time. Rehearsing responses makes them easier in the moment.
Trust your instincts. If it feels off, it probably is.
Alcohol isn’t a requirement for fun. Real friends respect your choices.

Get Involved

Youth Coalition Ignite
Monday’s during lunch in room A117

Ignite gives participants the opportunity to recognize needs and connect with other groups to promote positive mental health and address issues, such as substance abuse. Ignite gives youth a platform to identify issues and take action to create positive change. This is done through creating public service announcements, informative community events, community service and networking opportunities, and much more.

Jr. Youth Coalition Spark

Wednesdays during lunch

Substance Free Athletics

Substance-Free Athletics (SFA) brings the latest scientific evidence about substances and sports to high school athletes and the coaches and parents that support them. This information along with a quick look at local school district policy creates a common understanding that makes conversations and decision-making around underage alcohol and drug use more productive and empowered.

Understanding Connecticut’s Alcohol Laws

Years of Age

Minimum Legal Drinking Age: Retailers must not sell alcohol to individuals under 21 years of age.

Years of Age

Seller Age Requirements: Employees must be at least 18 to sell wine and spirits in off-premises establishments. Beer sales in grocery stores may involve employees as young as 15, but an employee aged 18 or older must approve all beer sales.

Years of Age

Prohibited Practices: Selling alcohol to minors or intoxicated individuals is illegal and can lead to severe penalties, including fines and license suspension.

Tips for Responsible Alcohol Retailing

ID Verification: Always check valid photo identification to confirm age. Be vigilant for fake IDs and train staff to recognize them.
Staff Training: Encourage or require employees to undergo responsible alcohol service training programs, such as TIPS certification, which covers recognizing signs of intoxication and preventing underage sales. tipsalcohol.com
Monitor for Intoxication: Train staff to identify signs of intoxication and refuse sales when necessary.
Prevent Third-Party Sales: Be alert to situations where adults may be purchasing alcohol for minors. Implement policies to deter and address such activities.

Resources and Training Programs

TIPS Certification: Offers scenario-based training for both on-premise (bars, restaurants) and off-premise (liquor stores, grocery stores) establishments.
Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP): Provides information on liquor laws, permits, and compliance requirements.

Compliance and Enforcement

Regular Compliance Checks: The DCP conducts compliance checks in partnership with local and state police to ensure adherence to alcohol laws. Retailers found in violation may face administrative hearings and penalties. Learn More
Reporting Violations: Retailers can report suspected violations or seek guidance by contacting the DCP’s Liquor Control Division.

About Ignite

These ninth-grade to twelfth-grade students take on the mission to make a difference to the overall health of the young people in Haddam, Killingworth, Higganum, and neighboring communities.

Ignite gives participants the opportunity to recognize needs and connect with other groups to promote positive mental health and address issues, such as substance abuse. Ignite gives youth a platform to identify issues and take action to create positive change. This is done through creating public service announcements, informative community events, community service and networking opportunities, and much more.

The Ignite Youth Coalition meets weekly during school to plan, create, and, most important, have fun!