Binge and Underage Drinking (BUDI) Advisory Board
The BUDI Advisory Board, supported by the Institute for Public Strategies, brought together San Diego County community leaders from a variety of sectors to reduce underage and binge drinking through evidence-based environmental prevention strategies. Their vision was to ensure that alcohol’s role in communities was shaped by local stakeholders—not industry—and their mission was to drive researched-informed policies already embedded in the County’s framework that supported safe, healthy, thriving communities. The board’s efforts spanned research, advocacy, and action across areas such as youth and adult drinking trends, mental health, alcohol outlet density, DUI prevention, promoting Third Space (alcohol-free events) and positive/adverse childhood experiences.
Originally founded in 1995 as the Alcohol Policy Panel (APP), the coalition influenced local ordinances, state legislation, and prevention practices. Past achievements include adoption of Social Host Ordinances (SHO) in all 18 San Diego County municipalities and the unincorporated area that prevented adults and older siblings from hosting underage drinking house parties; the adoption of Responsible Beverage Sales and Service (RBSS) ordinances in multiple San Diego County municipalities, restricting alcohol advertising near youth-sensitive areas, and influencing state-level laws on alcohol product classification and taxation.
The board also maintained a roster of public health, education, law enforcement, and community representatives who guide BUDI’s strategies and campaigns.
