NORTHERN VIRGINIA - Shoppers out buying beer in Northern Virginia might get a case of sticker shock, but it has nothing to do with the price.

Instead, it is a new anti-teen drinking campaign with a message for adults.

Nationally, teens report that alcohol is easy to get from adults. The issue has prompted a group of youth to warn adults that the consequences that go along with supplying alcohol to minors can be far greater than just a fine or jail time.

Debbie Sausville has delivered her message to thousands of teens about where drinking and driving can lead after her 16-year-old stepdaughter, Lauren, was the driver in the fatal car crash in Fairfax five years ago.

"Her purse went flying out the window, the beer that she was bringing to the other party flew out the window," Sausville said.

Now, Sausville is warning other adults against committing the crime of buying alcohol for youth.

"She got a 27-year-old guy she knew to buy her the beer," Sausville said.

To help spread the message, youth-led teams from around Northern Virginia are working together for the first time in a sticker shock campaign.

Escorted by law enforcement, officers and other adults placed stickers on cases of beer and other alcohol products at over 100 Northern Virginia stores. On them is a reminder of the consequences, including the $2,500 fine and jail time that goes along with contributing to minors.

"And what are they gonna gain from buying a little kid alcohol - nothing," said Charlotte Clinger, high school freshman.

Organizers know the message of preventing underage drinking must be just as loud for adults as for teens, because 61 percent of Arlington 12th graders say alcohol is easy to get.

"What they do is, they stand outside stores and they try and get people to buy it for them," said Deputy Monique Edwards
Alexandria (web | news) Sheriff's office.

"Going to parties, there'll probably be an older brother or sister getting alcohol for their friends. I mean it's too easy, it's too easy," said Eric Watkins, high school junior.

The campaign also reminds teens that drinking underage can cause long-term damage to the brain and liver, since their young bodies are still developing.

Organizers say they hope to run the campaign twice a year, especially around homecoming and prom seasons.

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