In January 2003, Community Action, Inc. of Hudson, WI asked if the Hudson, Somerset and North Hudson Police Departments would combine efforts and join them in developing a coalition to combat underage drinking in their communities. All three departments readily joined, thus creating the partnership which is called the St. Croix Underage Drinking Coalition.

The Coalition receives a majority of its funding through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Bureau of Traffic Safety (BOTS). The monies are earmarked to each law enforcement agency to complete compliance investigations and other enforcement activities such as underage party patrol and Cops in Shops. Each law enforcement agency contracts/partners with Community Action to coordinate the community and youth responses to underage drinking.

2006 marks the coalitions four year; since is conception the Coalition boasts that it has partnered with ALL law enforcement agencies in St. Croix County- a total of 12 agencies in all. All agencies operate under one policy and also contribute personnel and equipment to the Underage Task Force that is part of the Coalition. Currently, SCUDC is the largest coalition of its kind in the State of Wisconsin and is a model for other communities to look towards for guidance.

The Coalition works under the premise of education is the first and foremost goal. SCUDC strives to partner with liquor establishments to educate their employees and owners on the laws regarding sales to underage persons. Free trainings are offered to all liquor establishments. Compliance checks are complete under a recognition and reward concept. We try to recognize those that are complying with state law. Enforcement activities are used as a last resort when education has come up short.

The Coalition gains its support from the community as a whole, if the people of St. Croix County did not see underage drinking as a serious issue, we would not have been able to survive. For that we are grateful!