Sticker shock: Why sell booze at gas stations?

Gas stations should come with a warning, like a pack of cigarettes.

WARNING parents, a sign should read, alcohol is sold where your teenagers fuel up their cars.

Or how about an alert to those underage drivers.

WARNING teens, you're about to be bombarded with beer advertisements. Don't cave in.

Technically, that's the purpose of Project Sticker Shock, where conscientious youths slap warning stickers on alcohol at gas stations and liquor stores, reminding customers that it's illegal to consume alcohol under 21, as well as to purchase alcohol for minors.

A group of Oswego High School students did just that last week under the watchful eyes of the Kendall County Sheriff's Department and a school leader.

But these miniature warnings last as long as the alcohol sits on the shelves.

When new shipments arrive, they come sans reminder.

And if it seems like the 12-packs of beer stacked at the entrance, or the wine-lined shelves, or advertisements for Miller Chill strung across the stores are strategically positioned just to tempt you -- you're right.

It's all about making money or offering customers a convenient spot to buy alcohol. It depends on who you ask.

But don't blame the gas stations, at least not for stocking the booze. They don't make the rules; they're simply bound to follow them.

The village of Oswego issues liquor licenses to gas stations. So does Montgomery, Plano and Yorkville, among other area towns.

A shorter list contains those nearby communities that don't allow it: Aurora (except for two stores grandfathered into a previous policy), Batavia, Big Rock and Geneva.

Sure it's easy to understand the convenience aspect. Pick up some wine on your way home from work or buy some beer to bring to a party.

But why not do that at liquor stores where minors aren't legally permitted.

Seventeen-year-old Nathan Schmidt doesn't get it either.

"Gas stations," the Oswego High senior said, "are for gas."

Schmidt watched his classmates smooth stickers over boxes of beer at a Montgomery gas station last week and his mind drifted to next month's prom.

"I don't want my prom to be ruined," he said, "by my friends drinking and driving.

"I don't want someone else to die."

cmoyer@scn1.com