Harmful Business Practices

Wide-awake half the night because of loud music, shouting, or squealing tires?

Are you facing trash, graffiti, and other mess in the morning?

Did you know that neighborhoods with problematic alcohol sales businesses have more crime?

WANT A CHANGE?
Make a call (619) 531-2423

The San Diego Police want to hear from you if you have seen any of these activities in or around businesses that sell alcohol:

• Violent crime or other assault
• Drug activity or prostitution
• Selling alcohol or tobacco to minors
• Vandalism or Public urination
• Excessive noise
• Trash or Graffiti
• Inadequate lighting (in or outdoors)
• Gambling
• Other threatening activities

(For non-emergencies only)

WAKE UP and SPEAK UP!

Did you know that a T-shirt with a Pillsbury Doughboy proclaiming “Wake ‘N Bake” isn’t about cinnamon rolls? It’s about getting “baked” on marijuana, first thing in the morning. But these shirts are not coming from some fringe operation—they’ve been spotted in big displays at your local Target and Kohl’s stores, along with T-shirts promoting binge drinking. The target of pro-drug clothing is your teenager: under the legal drinking age, an eager shopper, and forming habits that can last a lifetime.

Why it’s not “just a T-shirt”:
Companies put their logo and slogans on T-shirts because walking billboards are effective! They are a personal endorsement, proclaimed publicly. Target, Kohl’s and other companies are enabling the dangerous message that FUN or PARTY must include a substance. Research shows that youth overestimate drug use, and T-shirt messages reinforce the false impression that drug use is harmless. Youth marijuana use is affected by availability, affordability, acceptability and attitude (or perception) about harm. Sales of such shirts in a mainstream chain store affects those last two “A’s” by suggesting that drug use is normal and accepted, and must be harmless or a reputable store wouldn't endorse it. Shoppers have a right to influence merchants through direct action. Tell them our youth deserve better. Ask them to live up to their programs which claim to support youth and community.

What you can do:

• Write a letter today to Target and Kohl’s, specifically mentioning the pro-marijuana Wake ‘n Bake T-shirts they have sold, and urge that they not sell other such products in the future.
• Look for pro-drug merchandise in your neighborhoods. Complain to the manager of a store when you see it, and explain that you choose to patronize stores which won’t sell products that promote illegal drug use or underage drinking.

Send us a copy of your letters via e-mail: SDAlliance4@aol.com

What to look for in stores:

• Marijuana references such as Wake ‘n Bake and 420, an hour or date code for time to get high.
• Beer/bar logos or glasses, margarita, martini and umbrella cocktail motifs—especially inappropriate on products aimed at youth.