Mississippians Advocating Against Underage Drinking has been formed by concerned citizens of Mississippi, including Make A Promise Coalition, to address underage drinking, more specifically to tighten the laws in regards to underage drinking. This issue is statewide concern as well as the focus of the entire nation.      

Mississippi’s current law (67-1-81 and 67-3-70) says:  

Possession is prohibited WITH THE FOLLOWING EXCEPTIONS: Private location OR Parent/guardian presence and consent.  

Underage Consumption of Alcohol: Consumption is not explicitly prohibited  

Therefore, anyone under the age of 21 can drink any alcoholic beverage, without any punishment according to the law.  

According the SmartTrack Data for 2006-2007 (114,069 MS youth grades 6-12)

• 21,983 (or 19.27%) of them had at least one beer during the past 30 days
  

• 22,189 (or 19.45%) of them had at least one other alcohol (wine, whiskey, vodka, mixed drinks, etc.) during the past 30 days
  

• 13,167 (or 11.54%) of them had at least one wine cooler during the past 30 days

It is going to take every voter and every group, to contact their representative and senator in their district to get support for this issue.  When the process is complete and the bill is introduced in January of 2008, every voter and/or group that supports this concern will need to be on the steps of the capital for a Statewide Rally.  It has been introduced in the past as House Bill No. 95, but because there were no actions taken from the voters, the bill sat in a committee and died.   

The purpose of this amendment is to ensure that our youth grow to their fullest potential.  How will our state have productive leaders if underage drinking continues?  Your support in changing the underage drinking law is essential in making a difference among the teens in our communities and our state. The future of our state and our youth are influenced by your support and vote.  

Please write your elected officials.  A sample letter and address labels are attached.