From Left to Right: Phil Batts, ABC Board; Chairman Paul Farris, ABC Board; Innette Barnes, OIC;
Marvin Dew, OIC; and Chairman Robert Farris, OIC Board.
March 4, 2019: The Wilson County ABC Board recently gave $1,000 to OIC of Wilson for a program to address underage drinking and alcohol abuse. Those who start drinking alcohol early in life are at a greater risk of developing serious alcohol problems later in life as well as many other adverse consequences. These adverse consequences affect not only the drinker, but society as well.
“This funding is very much appreciated” says Gwen Burton, Executive Director of OIC of Wilson. “This six-week program will be offered to students between the ages of 16 and 24 and will be incorporated with an on-going year-round career pathway program designed to introduce and promote the importance of work.”
The Wilson County ABC Board consists of Chairman Paul Farris, Hadie Horne, and Phil Batts. “We care about our children in Wilson County,” said Farris, “I believe that if we can affect one life, we can make a big difference.” Larry Etheridge, General Manager of the ABC Board, said the Board’s primary function is to control the sale of spirituous liquor and part of that work is to keep alcohol out of the hands of underage youth. “Preventing underage drinking involves educating our youth about how underage alcohol use can negatively impact their lives. The ABC Board funds various programs each year for alcohol and substance abuse education and prevention. That money stays right here in Wilson County.”