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Editorial A recent survey by Suffolk County of more than 15 establishments that sell beer showed that many business owners are getting the message: It is illegal and morally wrong to make a quick buck by selling alcohol, or tobacco for that matter, to minors. In each instance, the individual behind the counter asked an undercover volunteer, who was under 21 years of age, to show proof of age when he went into the store and asked to purchase beer. That's quite a change in the rate of compliance, and shows that tougher laws, greater police enforcement and public support for programs that help protect society do have an impact. It was not too long ago that drunk driving was not taken seriously and that its devastating impacts were viewed as "accidents." It was only after a long and vigilant battle by the victims of drunk drivers, and their families, that the laws began to change, and enforcement took the driver off the road before he or she could kill or injure another innocent victim. Selling alcohol to those less than 21 years of age is another crime that causes death and injury. Like drunk driving, it has been viewed by many as being less than the serious crime that it is. Once again, changes in the law, greater enforcement and public demand are having an impact. More important, our streets and our children are becoming safer for it.
But, we can't celebrate victory, just yet. Small successes should be lauded, but as the headlines tell us every week, there is still a lot more work to be done and a lot more people to be saved from both those behind the counter who fail to card young people and those behind the wheel who drive drunk.
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