To the Editor:

Helping teens make good choices is as simple as starting a conversation, and back-to-school is an ideal time for parents to talk about avoiding peer pressure to drink underage. Research shows that parents are the greatest influence on teens. Exercising that influence by actively listening and holding their teens accountable for decisions about underage drinking is something that parents should be encouraged to do. Asking open-ended questions gets teens thinking about what they would do when and if they're offered a drink - and the potential consequences.

Dichello Distributors Inc wants to remind parents about the Anheuser-Busch Family Talk About Drinking program, a free parent guide and Facebook community designed to encourage open and honest communication between parents and their children to help prevent underage drinking. Programs like this one, paired with education and effective law enforcement, are essential to reducing underage drinking.

Remember, it's our collective responsibility to help prevent underage drinking.

Sincerely,

Tony Lota, Alcohol Awareness Coordinator

Dichello Distributors, Inc.

55 Marsh Hill Road, Orange August 14, 2018