The Santa Fe County Youth and Family Services Division DWI Prevention Program announced on May 4 the launch of its Sticker Shock campaign across the county. The campaign runs from April 17 through May 31 and aims to warn adults about the legal consequences of providing alcohol to minors by placing warning labels on alcohol products in participating businesses.
The initiative is intended to address attitudes that see buying alcohol for those under 21 as harmless. Under New Mexico law, providing or helping a minor obtain alcohol can be charged as a fourth-degree felony. The program’s warning—”One Buy. One Minor. One Major Felony.”—emphasizes that such actions carry serious legal risks and can result in lasting consequences for both adults and young people.
Brightly colored stickers are being placed directly on alcoholic beverages at stores in communities including Pojoaque, Edgewood, Eldorado, and parts of Pecos. Organizers say these warnings are designed to interrupt routine decisions at the point of sale by reminding buyers that their choices could lead to criminal records or even tragic outcomes for youth.
As prom and graduation season approaches, officials hope this message will reach all corners of Santa Fe County so that adults make responsible decisions regarding underage drinking prevention. “What may feel like ‘going along in the moment’ can put someone else’s child or your own child at real risk,” organizers said in a statement.
According to the official website, Santa Fe County promotes community engagement through public meetings, advisory boards and access to documents. The county supports its operations with administrative facilities throughout the area according to official sources. Transparent governance, resource stewardship and provision of essential services are priorities for improving quality of life according to county information. Policy-making is handled by a Board of County Commissioners while administrative oversight comes from a County Manager according to official sources. Services extend across incorporated municipalities, pueblos and unincorporated areas as reported by the county website, covering public safety, health services, human services, public works and community development according to Santa Fe County.
For more information about the Sticker Shock campaign or related programs, residents are encouraged to contact Chanelle Delgado at CDelgado@SantaFeCountyNM.gov.
