Reward & Reminder 

Reward and Reminder is a simple strategy that establishes and/or reinforces a norm that the community does not want under age youth to drink alcohol or smoke tobacco, and that it values those that help make that happen (SAMHSA’s National Registry of Evidence-base Programs and Practices, 2010; Biglan, et. al., 1995; Embry, D.D., 2004).

In this evidence based initiative, trained youth and volunteers enter establishments that sell tobacco products and alcoholic beverages. The youth attempt to purchase alcohol and/or tobacco at the establishment. If the clerk/employee refuses to sell to the youth, the employee is immediately rewarded. The clerk/employee immediately receives a token gift certificate for food or gasoline and a thank you note, the store manager/owner also receives recognition in the form of certificate and letter. Stores who refuse to sell to minors are recognized by the local media as well.

If it appears that a clerk/employee is going to sell tobacco products or alcohol to the youth, the sale is terminated immediately and the clerk receives a non-punitive “reminder” not to sell to under-age youth.

To date, 44 establishments have been visited and only 3 have needed a “reminder.” The county has been divided into sectors and the Reward and Reminder sub-committee plans to visit all carry-outs and drive-thru’s in the county.