Volition Franklin Youth conducted environmental scans of alcohol advertising in Franklin to obtain data on the extent of alcohol advertising exposure to teens. A national study, Effects of Alcohol Advertising Exposure on Drinking Amount Youth, concluded that greater exposure to alcohol advertising contributes to an increase in drinking among underage youth. Specifically, for each additional ad a young person saw (above the monthly youth average of 23), he or she drank 1% more (Snyder, Milici, Slater, 2006). Though photo journaling, youth documented alcohol advertising in Franklin for two weeks. Environmental scans were done at alcohol retailers and advertisements within the Franklin community or events. Youth were specially looking for photo categories which included: a power wall of alcohol boxes displaying a larger image, advertising that directly appeals to youth/ young people, and outrageous product placement of alcohol next to youth-driven products.
Surprisingly, a minimal amount of alcohol advertising was noted. Within alcohol retailers, the majority had alcohol and all alcohol advertising confined to one location within the store. Two stores had alcohol placed on end caps next to candy and soda. Volition can utilize this data to approach retailers, and along with education, encourage them to place alcohol in one location away from items youth may be interested in.