Public-health specialist urges county action after minors obtained alcohol at county fair events

Evan Ewing, a public-health specialist with Richland County Health and Human Services, told the Public Safety Committee on Sept. 5 that his teenage son and peers obtained alcohol at several recent county events, including a tractor pull at the Richland County Fair.

"Earlier this year, my son attended a tractor pull... and he came home with alcohol," Ewing said during the public comment period, and he described a separate event where a youth’s friend drank three beers. Ewing said local children are able to obtain alcohol at public events and urged the county to improve protections such as fenced serving areas or wristband controls.

Ewing said his coalition has been gathering local data — including alcohol compliance checks, event assessments and place-of-last-drink information — and offered to share that data with the county safety committee to help identify where underage access is occurring and whether event controls are working.

Committee members asked clarifying questions but cautioned they could not act on public comment during the meeting. One supervisor asked Ewing the teen’s age; Ewing said his son is 16. County staff suggested contacting township officials about permitting and licensing, since organizers obtain and must maintain appropriate licensing and township oversight can be relevant to enforcement.

No committee action was taken at the Sept. 5 meeting; the public comment was accepted and committee members said the matter may be referred to the fair committee or to staff for follow-up.