ESCONDIDO–Several Escondido businesses that sell Quinceañera-related goods and services, have launched a prevention campaign to encourage parents to protect underage drinking at these events.
The Quinceañeras: Parties Without Risk campaign is geared toward the cultural traditional which celebrates Latino females’ 15th birthday. It’s not uncommon to find alcohol available at these celebrations, which typically include many underage guests.
Alcohol is the substance most widely abused among American youth. Nearly half (48.3 percent) of San Diego county 11th graders in high schools who participated in the most recent California Healthy Kids Survey reported they had used alcohol at least once. Negative consequences associated with underage drinking include vehicle crashes, alcohol poisoning, risky behavior, falls, and physical and sexual assault.
Participants in the campaign include: Northgate Market, Mejia Coreografias, VIP Photo Room, Traviezo’s Productions, Damari’s Boutique, members of the Fallbrook-based community group, 20 Madres, and Ron Stark, program manager at Mental Health Systems North Inland Community Prevention.
“It’s about preventing underage drinking and promoting the social host or party host here in Escondido and other cities in San Diego county and unincorporated areas,” Stark said.
“We want to make sure you are safe. We want to make sure your kids are safe,” said Alejandra Fuentes, store human resources manager at Northgate Market.
“Quinceañeras: Fiestas sin Riesgos” will help people planning such parties understand that social host laws protect everyone from the hazards common to underage drinking, raise awareness of Quinceañera sponsors’ responsibilities under the law, and remind them not to host or provide a venue for underage drinking.
