Alcohol in Wisconsin
Alcohol is the most commonly used addictive substance in Wisconsin. In 2019, Wisconsin ranked third in the country in terms of the percentage of adults who currently drink alcohol (64.4%). Studies show that as the perception of risk related to an activity decreases, the likelihood of adults participating in that activity increases. This relationship is demonstrated by Wisconsin adults’ high rates of alcohol consumption and binge drinking, and low rates of perceived harm from drinking (37.9%).
Read more about alcohol in Wisconsin or check out alcohol related resources and education.
Alcohol in Manitowoc County
23% of high school students in Manitowoc County have drank alcohol in the last 30 days. (2021 YRBS)
47% of high school students who reported drinking, reported they started drinking at 13 years of age. (2021 YRBS)
According to the CDC people who start drinking before the age of 15 are four times more likely to meet the criteria for alcohol dependence at some point in their lives. Research has also indicated that drinking alcohol is associated with the use of drugs and interferes with brain development. Accordingly, prevention efforts should focus on addressing the low perception of risk related to alcohol consumption among Wisconsin youth.
Drink Responsibly
For most women, moderate drinking is no more than one standard drink a day. For most men, moderate drinking is no more than two standard drinks a day. Even though moderate drinking may be safe for many people, there are still risks. Moderate drinking can raise the risk of death from certain cancers and heart diseases.
- Pace your drinking. Have no more than one standard drink per hour.
- Stay away from alcohol in high-risk situations. For example, do not operate a vehicle after drinking alcohol.
- Get help if you think you have an alcohol-related problem.
- Do not give alcohol to your children. Tell them that any alcohol in your home is off-limits to them and to their friends.
- Attend and support opportunities where you and youth can have fun without the use of substance.
Parent Who Host
In Manitowoc County, it is illegal to sell, dispense or give away any alcoholic beverages to any underage person not accompanied by his or her PARENT. Hosting or failing to take action to prevent illegal consumption will result in a $500 fine. (Social host ORDINANCE 14.040). This matters because
- The brain is not fully developed, alcohol use prior to age 21 can harm brain development and function
- The younger someone starts drinking the more likely they will develop an alcohol disorder
- Early alcohol use increases the risk of addiction and drug use.
Learn how to talk to your youth about drugs and alcohol.
Retailers
It is illegal to serve an intoxicated person under the Wisconsin Alcohol Beverage and Tobacco Law for retailers (PUB 302 WI ALCOHOL BEVERAGE AND TOBACCO LAWS FOR RETAILERS, 2016)
Prevent Overserving and Drunk Driving
One shot or 1 oz of overpouring can create up to a 50% loss of profit per bottle of alcohol (SESTRA. 2017)
- Host happy hours for food and non-alcoholic beverages
- Offer non-alcoholic beverages for free or at reduced rates to designated drivers
- Refuse to serve someone who is VISIBLY intoxicated
Recognize the Signs of Overserving
- Behavioral: Argumentative, drowsy, loud, slurred speech, overly friendly
- Physical: Falling, Red or watery eyes, stumbling or swaying, can’t find mouth with a drink
- Other: Irrational statements, losing train of thought, vomiting
Resources for Retailers
Responsible Beverage Server Training Courses Approved in Wisconsin
Free ID Scanner and Wristbands for Events (Festival Toolkits)