Degree Name

Education Specialist (EdS)

Semester of Degree Completion

1996

Thesis Director

Charles G. Eberly

Abstract

This study investigated the perceived effect of increased community enforcement of the legal minimum alcohol drinking age on the attitudes and behavior of university students as reported by the community. The results indicated increased local alcohol enforcement efforts, changed student drinking behavior, which in turn created a positive change in community attitude toward enforcement efforts. Increased enforcement efforts between the years 1993 and 1995 targeted underage drinking and alcohol related crime as demonstrated by university students. Enforcement efforts were initiated by community officials in the form of a beer keg registration ordinance, minimum age bar compliance checks, raising the bar entry age from 19 to 21, and proactive support by the local judicial system. Survey results showed a positive community attitudinal change toward alcohol enforcement between the years 1993 and 1995. The community reported less alcohol-related foot and vehicle traffic, noise, vandalism, littering and violence. The community also reported a decrease in student alcohol activity within the city, while the university reported a significant increase regarding student alcohol disciplinary action taken on campus. A shift in student drinking patterns from community to campus sites was observed as one result of increased community alcohol enforcement.

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