Background: Alcohol consumption by Wisconsin college students is associated with both morbidity and mortality; underage bar access is a significant contributor to this problem. This two-part study will review strategies used by the city of Madison to reduce underage drinking in bars and will introduce pilot data exploring bartenders as potential partners in prevention.
Methods: First, data and strategies from the City of Madison Office of the Mayor regarding underage drinking were reviewed. Second, a convenience sample of 15 employed bartenders completed a one-on-one interview. Questions explored bartenders' views regarding identifying and serving underage patrons. Data were collected via written notes and analyzed by all authors to obtain thematic consensus.
Results: Current Madison underage drinking prevention efforts focus on enforcement, alcohol establishment licensing and bartender training. Citation data suggests prevention efforts have decreased individual and increased bar citations. Bartender interview data revealed 3 major themes: (1) Bartenders felt they could identify underage patrons; (2) Bartenders were not concerned with legal or employment ramifications regarding serving an underage patron; (3) Bartenders described barriers to participation in prevention.
Conclusion: Additional opportunities for prevention efforts exist. Further research should consider strategies to change local policies, modify bartenders' work environments, and establish motivators for bartender prevention participation.