Government Strategies to Reduce Teen Binge Drinking: Taxes, Enforcement, Education, and Media Campaigns

Multi-level public health approach (CDC, NIAAA, NHTSA, SAMHSA, state/local):

1. Alcohol tax increases: Higher price → reduced youth consumption (price elasticity ~ -0.5 to -0.8). Example: CA 2013 +15% beer/wine/spirits tax.
2. Enforcement: Compliance checks (underage sales), shoulder taps, party patrols, DUI checkpoints, social host liability laws.
3. Awareness campaigns: NIAAA "Know the Facts," SAMHSA "Talk. They Hear You.", Ad Council "Parents Who Host, Lose the Most."
4. School programs: CDC "Too Smart to Start," LifeSkills Training, Project ALERT—evidence-based curricula.
5. Media: PSAs, social media, counter-marketing.
6. Online resources: NIAAA Rethinking Drinking, CDC Alcohol Portal, MADD Power of Parents.
7. Policy: Minimum legal drinking age 21, zero-tolerance BAC, keg registration, happy hour bans.

Comprehensive, sustained strategies reduce initiation, binge frequency, and alcohol-related harms.