Based on community surveys and other sources, 1) availability and 2) off-premise outlets selling to underage purchasers have both been found to contribute to the problem of underage alcohol use in our community. In response to this, the Cape Fear Coalition has conducted Alcohol Purchase Surveys (APS) using a guide from the Underage Drinking Enforcement Training Center. Trained, youthful-looking 21-23 year old buyers, with Coalition escorts, attempted to purchase alcohol at local alcohol outlets that have off-premise permits. These buyers did not complete the alcohol purchase but did note if their ID was checked or not. APS were repeated at these alcohol outlets at later dates.
In 2014, the Coalition conducted 145 Alcohol Purchase Surveys with a 90% Compliance Rate.