Sauk County Partnership for Prevention Coalition conducted compliance checks at local businesses

SAUK COUNTY, WIS (CIVIC MEDIA) – In coordination with the Baraboo Police Department, and the Lake Delton Police Department, the Sauk County Partnership for Prevention Coalition conducted compliance checks at local businesses in August. Before the checks, establishments were reminded that checks were coming and received information on how to properly check IDs. During the checks, trained buyers under 21 years old attempted to purchase alcohol with their own ID.

Out of 32 checks in the city of Baraboo, six establishments sold alcohol to youth. This means 81% of Baraboo retailers refused the sale and followed the law. In 2024 only 50% of Baraboo retailers checked refused the sale of alcohol to a minor. The jump from 50% last year to 81% this year marks a significant improvement and shows that retail education efforts are making an impact.

Out of 28 checks, seven establishments sold alcohol to youth. This means 75% of Lake Delton retailers refused the sale and followed the law. Eric Thunberg, Chief of Police for Lake Delton, said, “Unfortunately, we fell short of 100% compliance and those employees who sold to youth received additional training and education to help them be successful.” He added, “Our goal is to have 100% compliance, and we’ll continue to partner with Sauk County Partnership for Prevention coalition to provide guidance and educational resources to alcohol retailers in Lake Delton. Compliance checks are about enhancing safety through awareness and education.”

Public Health Sauk County Health Educator Kate Hansen, who facilitates the coalition, explained that strong compliance with the law benefits both businesses and the community. When businesses check IDs and refuse underage sales, they reduce their own risk of fines or lawsuits. Importantly, they help prevent both the short-term harms linked to underage drinking– such as car crashes, vandalism, and violence— and long-term harms like addiction and problems with memory and learning.

Alcohol compliance checks are just one tool used to reduce youth access to alcohol. The Sauk County Partnership for Prevention coalition also focuses on youth vaping/youth nicotine use prevention and other strategies to keep families healthy. The coalition meets every other month, and all community members are welcome to attend. For more information about the Sauk County Partnership for Prevention coalition, visit P4PSauk.org.

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