Alcohol Education Program

To combat the problem of underage drinking and high-risk behavior, AEP offers an alternative to having the case handled in court. In South Carolina, an alcohol conviction may result in payment of fines, suspension of driver's license, loss of financial aid and/or scholarship eligibility and a criminal record. Upon successful completion of this educational program, the charge is dismissed and the record can be cleared.

The Alcohol Education Program (AEP) is designed to discourage future underage drinking through a series of sessions that help achieve attitude and behavior changes in young people. These changes will reduce participants' risk of alcohol and drug problems throughout their lives. The program's non-judgmental approach and persuasion-based teaching process reduces resistance to the life-saving information presented and increases a student's openness to change. The information is based on documented research findings rather than opinion, exaggerations, or scare tactics. Participation in this program will maximize the likelihood that young people will change high-risk behaviors.

Eligibility is restricted to persons charged with minor in possession of alcohol, open container or possession of fake identification.

Referrals to AEP are made by Solicitor’s offices. AEP participants pay an enrollment fee of $250 and a $100 fee for the mandatory four 2-hour education sessions.

(803) 726-9325