Slippery Rock University and Butler County Community College will both be in session within days and the state police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement and state Liquor Control Board are ready.

The bureau will target alcohol-related crimes, primarily underage drinking violations, which can saddle young students with hundreds of dollars in fines, time in jail and potential discipline from their schools.

Business owners with liquor licenses will likely hear from the officials as well, as they outline the penalties that come with serving alcohol to those who are younger than 21. Any adult who is 21 or older, including parents of an underaged drinker, can be charged if they provide alcohol to a minor. It could rise to the level of a misdemeanor charge, thousands in fines and substantial jail time depending on the situation.

Young adults in college experimenting with alcohol is so common it’s almost a tradition — an illegal and ill-advised one, but there’s no use in pretending it doesn’t happen.

The state’s Liquor Control Board has a Bureau of Alcohol Education that offers another side to the equation, in addition to enforcement. Its mission is to deliver a zero tolerance message to those younger than 21; to encourage responsibility and moderation to those age 21 and older; and to promote responsible alcohol service.

The Bureau of Alcohol Education also offers an Alcohol Awareness for Student Leaders Training Program for college-age young people.

This is a chance for young adults to learn how to guide their friends toward making smarter decisions about alcohol and to help leaders reduce underage and dangerous drinking patterns.

The training isn’t a heavy lift for younger adults. It’s a two-hour session. Lessons include adolescent brain development and its role in making decisions and impulse control; how many drinks it takes to reach legal intoxication levels; signs of alcohol poisoning; and amnesty laws that protect minors who call for medical attention for those suffering from alcohol poisoning.

The training also walks students through all of the myriad consequences that underage and risky drinking can have. The impacts can have legal ramifications, but there can also be academic, social, health and safety repercussions.

For some, staying out of trouble might be a good enough reason to stay away from risky drinking behaviors. But it’s a good idea for all young adults to get an understanding of how drinking can impact their lives before it harms them or affects their futures.

Anyone interested in the training can send an email to ra-lbeducation@pa.gov and anyone can order alcohol education materials by visiting www.pa.gov./services/lcb, for more information.

Enforcement of the state liquor laws is important, but education is where a real difference can be made. We hope students will take advantage of the learning opportunities available to them and make smart, safe and healthy choices this academic year.

— KL