In a remarkable turn of events, our advocacy efforts in collaboration with the Center for Youth Education (CEM) have led to a transformative partnership with "Best," one of Bosnia and Herzegovina's leading supermarket chains. Known for their commitment to community values, "Best" has long supported our "Older Brother, Older Sister" program, designed to shield vulnerable children from the dangers of alcohol consumption. However, recent findings from our "Mystery Shopper" initiative revealed a troubling issue: out of 84 supermarkets where minors were able to purchase alcohol, 16 were part of the "Best" chain.
The discovery of these results impacted the leadership at "Best." The executive director was noticeably distressed upon learning that their stores were among those failing to enforce age restrictions on alcohol sales. This concern sparked a series of in-depth discussions between us and "Best" executives. Through these constructive conversations, a significant breakthrough emerged: "Best" has agreed to be the first supermarket chain to officially partner with us in our "Mystery Shopper" campaign.
This collaboration marks a pivotal victory in our ongoing efforts to ensure stricter adherence to alcohol sales regulations. By joining forces with "Best," we are not only addressing the specific issues identified within their stores but also setting a powerful example for other retailers. This partnership underscores "Best's dedication to responsible retail practices and highlights the positive change that can arise from transparency and accountability.
Our work with "Best" serves as a testament to the effectiveness of evidence-based research and the importance of building strong partnerships with key stakeholders. It reinforces our belief that through monitoring, strategic advocacy, and collaborative efforts, we can drive significant change and make a meaningful impact on reducing underage alcohol consumption.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to expanding the reach of our "Mystery Shopper" program and leveraging the success of our partnership with "Best." Our goal is to continue identifying and addressing gaps in alcohol sales enforcement, advocate for stronger regulations, and ultimately foster a safer environment for young people across Bosnia and Herzegovina.
