ABC Grant Program

 

Kinsale Market is proud to be the recipient of a grant from the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority to launch a community-focused initiative aimed at promoting safe boating and preventing alcohol-impaired operation of watercraft. With Kinsale located along the beautiful Yecomico Bay and surrounded by a strong boating culture, this project was created to encourage a shift in behavior and promote a culture of safety on our waterways.

The initiative, themed "Enjoy the Ride, Stay Sober on the Water," combines education, outreach, and strong community partnerships to spread awareness about the dangers of drinking while boating. With support from local businesses, the Kinsale Foundation, and public safety agencies, we are working together to protect lives and enhance the boating experience in our region.

 

Key accomplishments to date include:

• A summer outreach campaign featuring a half-page ad in The Local Scoop magazine, distributed at over 300 locations with 25,000 printed copies, raising awareness throughout the Northern Neck and surrounding areas.

• Ongoing collaboration to promote education covering boating laws, vessel safety checks, and the dangers of alcohol use on the water.

• A partnership with Virginia Artesian Water to produce custom-labeled bottled water carrying the campaign message—distributed at local events and marinas to reach boaters directly.

• Development of a radio campaign to further amplify the message across the region.

• Collected data on our boating community to better understand impacts.

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As the boating season picks up, Kinsale Market and our partners continue offering resources, and promote long-term behavior change that helps keep our waterways safe and enjoyable for all.