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How Kids Get Alcohol
Whereas school is a consistently high ranking source for illicit drugs, most kids report getting their alcohol from friends and family outside of school. (See “Availability of Alcohol” for more.)
Gifts: Many kids find accomplices in their older siblings, or even in their parents, who purchase the alcohol for them. It is also commonly provided for free at parties. Research shows that most parties attended by kids over the age of 14 will have some presence of alcohol.
Theft: Unlocked and unsupervised liquor in the home, is the second leading source.
Shoulder Tapping: In this practice, the underage purchaser approaches a passerby and asks them to but the alcohol. The presence of migrant workers loitering in and around liquor storefronts can sometimes be a tip off to this activity.
Delivery: In many cases, the alcohol can be delivered by a fast food deliveryman looking for a nice tip.
Smuggling: When seeking public intoxication, or looking to sneak alcohol into a public place, most kids use high potency liquor. They fill water bottles with the liquor, or combine it with colored beverages to conceal the true content. The water bottles are then carried in the open, or concealed under clothing / inside bags.
