SNOW HILL — Alcohol retailers in Worcester can expect more underage sales compliance checks than ever after a recent survey showed county teens had the highest rate of binge drinking in the state.

In a press release today, the Worcester County Health Department, on behalf of the Drug and Alcohol Council, announced it has secured funding to address the problem of underage access to alcohol. As a result, local law enforcement agencies will receive $12,500 for conducting alcohol compliance checks with the nearly 300 retailers in Worcester.

According to a survey conducted in 2013, nearly 31 percent of Worcester County high school-age youth reported drinking five or more drinks in a row within a couple of hours within the last 30 days, a figure that accounts for the highest rate of binge drinking in the state.

With the survey results in hand, health, education, regulatory and social service agency representatives have been meeting to identify the causative factors that led to a culture of acceptance for over-drinking. Reducing access through enforcement and influencing social availability are two of the evidence-based strategies that have been adopted by the team.

As a result, Worcester licensed liquor retailers can expect more compliance checks. According to Doug Dods of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and chair of the Drug and Alcohol Council, “retailers, parents, enforcement and the community are all key partners in keeping alcohol out of the hands of young people.”

Perhaps the most visible of the enforcement activities funded through the partnership will be increased compliance checks during which underage police cadets attempt to purchase alcohol at a local licensed retail establishment. The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office recently conducted a compliance check with 19 local licensees being visited with a total of six selling alcohol to the underage cadet.

Sanctions for retailers found guilty of a sale to a minor can include written warnings, fines or even a suspension or termination of the liquor license. With the additional funding, more visits by the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and the Ocean City Police Department are expected over the next few months. Council members are hopeful the expanded efforts will have an impact on youth alcohol consumption in the area.

The Maryland Youth Risk Behavior Study was conducted again last fall, although the results will not be available until mid- to late-2015. Parents and community members interested in helping to address binge drinking are encouraged to call 410-632-0056 for more information.