Restaurant owners, convenience and grocery story managers, law enforcement officers and public school officials from Jackson County met recently with Western Carolina University administrators to discuss ways to work together to address the problem of alcohol abuse.

Western received nearly $15,000 from the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States to initiate a broad-based approach that addresses junior high, high school and university student activities.

“The most effective way to reduce alcohol abuse on our nation’s campuses is through integrated partnerships between the university and its surrounding community,” said Peter H. Cressey, president of DISCUS, the trade association representing producers and marketers of distilled spirits sold in the United States. “The distilled spirits industry is a willing and committed partner and is pleased to be a part of this important initiative at WCU.”

Western’s alcohol education program is a partnership aimed not only at decreasing alcohol abuse at the university, but at addressing the problem of underage drinking in the greater community, said Robert Caruso, vice chancellor for student affairs. “That’s what brings us together today. How can we — whether in retail, law enforcement, the public schools, the university or as members of the community — coordinate our approaches to alcohol use, abuse and education in our community?”

Through the grant, four portable testing devices used to determine blood-alcohol content, are being offered to several area retailers in the business of selling alcohol. The program also includes efforts to improve existing “designated driver” plans. Additional community meetings will be planned in the future.

Retailers interested in receiving a portable testing device for use in their establishments should contact Caruso at 828.227.7147.