West Chester University is one of five institutions working with the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to develop a Town-Gown Pilot Project to prevent underage and dangerous drinking on and around college campuses.

Kutztown University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Alvernia College and Caron Treatment Centers are also participating in the project, funded by a $15,000 grant from the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association.

“As the regulator of beverage alcohol in Pennsylvania, we are keenly aware of the negative impact that irresponsible and underage drinking can have on the health and safety of local communities, particularly ‘college towns,'” said Joseph E. Brion, PLCB chairman. “Over the years, the agency has worked with local municipalities and colleges/universities to address some of those issues. For instance, we have provided grant funds to add law enforcement details during certain events, train peer educators and conduct online alcohol assessments for incoming students.”

Brion, a Chester County resident, also said the PLCB also partnered with the Borough of State College to address the annual ‘State Patty’s Day’ event. He said this new project takes the PLCB’s participation one step further to create a comprehensive plan all universities in the state can use to positively impact student alcohol consumption.

Recently, representatives from the PLCB’s Office of Regulatory Affairs, all four universities (team members included campus and community members, local police, mayors, school principals, etc.) and Caron Treatment Center met for a two-day training session to establish a vision and begin developing a strategic plan.

Follow-up technical assistance will be provided to each of the pilot teams and formal strategic plans will be complete by spring. Look for a final report in May, 2015.

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