Parent Who Host, Lose The Most
Prom and graduation are important events in young people’s lives. Parents often celebrate these events by hosting parties for their children and inviting their children’s friends. Unfortunately, alcohol is provided at some of these parties by parents and adults who see underage drinking as a “rite of passage.” Other parents condone the use of alcohol because they want to be considered a ‘cool’ parent or may believe they are keeping teens ‘safe’ by providing alcohol in the home, thus preventing them from drinking and driving. Hosting parties for teens where alcohol is available can be costly for everyone involved. It is illegal, unsafe, and unhealthy for anyone under the age of 21 to drink alcohol.
Underage drinking parties are a health and safety problem with serious legal ramifications. Here are the facts:
- Parents who give alcohol to their teen’s friends under any circumstances, even in their own homes, are breaking the law.
- Parents who knowingly allow a person under 21 to remain in their home or on their property while consuming or possessing alcoholic beverages can be prosecuted and everything associated with such a violation can be confiscated, including personal property.
- Parents can be sued if they give alcohol to anyone under 21 and they, in turn, hurt someone, hurt themselves or damage property.
Underage use of alcohol is a serious problem that too often leads to harmful consequences for youth and their families. Parents can protect themselves and their teens by following these guidelines when hosting parties for their children:
- Host safe, alcohol-free activities and events for youth during prom and graduation season
- Refuse to supply alcohol to children or allow drinking in your home or on your property
- Be at home when your teenager has a party
- Make sure your teenager’s friends do not bring alcohol into your home
- Talk to other parents about not providing alcohol at youth events
- Provide non-alcoholic beverages
- Report underage drinking
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