SW Wisconsin News

In August 2025, the Sauk County Partnership for Prevention Coalition, in cooperation with the Baraboo Police Department, conducted alcohol age compliance checks at local businesses in Baraboo, Wisconsin. These checks are designed to determine if retailers are selling alcohol to underage customers.

Before conducting the checks, local establishments were informed that they would occur and received instructions on proper ID verification procedures. During the operation, trained buyers under 21 attempted to purchase alcohol using their own identification. Out of 32 attempts, six businesses sold alcohol to youth. This means that 81% of retailers complied with state law by refusing the sale.

This represents a marked improvement from 2024 when only half of the checked retailers refused sales to minors.

Baraboo Police Chief Justin K. Carloni commented on the results: “This progress reflects the commitment of our community to protecting our youth and ensuring that alcohol is served responsibly in accordance with Wisconsin state law,” said Baraboo Police Chief Justin K. Carloni. “By working together with Sauk County Partnership for Prevention, we are strengthening community safety, enhancing the quality of life for our residents, and reinforcing the shared responsibility between law enforcement, public health, and our business community,” explained Chief Carloni.

Kate Hansen, Public Health Sauk County Health Educator and coalition facilitator, thanked those involved: “On behalf of the Sauk County Partnership for Prevention coalition, we thank alcohol retailers for their commitment to the safe sale of alcohol in Baraboo. The compliance rate shows that most retailers are taking steps to protect youth and strengthen our community. This a huge step in the right direction to prevent underage drinking in Baraboo.”

Hansen added that strong adherence benefits both businesses and public safety by reducing risks such as fines or lawsuits while helping prevent negative outcomes related to underage drinking like accidents or long-term health problems. “Retailers and their employees have the power to protect young people from the impact alcohol has on their brains, which are still developing,” Hansen said.

The coalition also works on other initiatives such as preventing youth vaping and nicotine use. Community members can learn more about these efforts at www.P4PSauk.org.