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Do online sales enabling underage drinking?

Posted at 8:08 PM, May 17, 2012
and last updated 2012-05-17 20:53:07-04

How easy it is for young teenagers to get beer or wine?

Certainly buying cameras, couches and computers can be a cinch.  And you can also add Coors light and other alcohol to the list.

According to a new study underage drinkers can easily buy alcohol on line.

Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill recruited eight people between 18 and 20 to try and buy wine and beer from on-line retailers.

Out of 100 attempts the young people were successful 45 times in getting alcohol delivered to their doorstep.

“It’s illegal,” said Kathleen Shaw, with Virginia`s Alcoholic Beverage Control.  “'Safety is our priority.”

“Underage drinking has been a top priority for ABC in terms of education and enforcement,” she said.

Shaw said deliveries of beer and wine in Virginia requires adult identification and signature. Hard liquor cannot be sold on line in Virginia.

She said agents routinely check on-line sellers to make sure they`re obeying the law.  Anyone in violation will be charged.

'”We`ve had no complaints about under age purchasers buying alcohol on-line,” she said.

We spoke with area college students, who say some underage drinkers will go to great lengths to get drunk.

 “We`re certainly concerned when young people can get their hands on alcohol,” said Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

“It`s a little problematic to think someone can order alcohol on line and have it delivered to their home.”

Take note though, violating Virginia`s law is a class one misdemeanor.