Underage Drinking Laws "Fact Sheet"
Public awareness campaign
Subject: Underage Drinking
Target Audience: Parents of Teens
• It is illegal to host or allow teen drinking parties in your home.
• It is unhealthy for anyone under age 21 to drink.
• It is unsafe and illegal for teens to drink and drive.
• Parents can be prosecuted under the law.
• Everything associated with a violation, such as personal property, can be confiscated.
What parents should know:
¤ As a parent, you cannot give alcohol to your teen's friends under the age of 21, under any circumstance, even in your own home, or even with their parents' permission.
¤ You cannot knowingly allow a person under 21, other than your own child, to remain in your home or on your property while consuming or possessing alcohol.
If you break the law:
¤You can face a maximum sentence of twelve months in jail and/or a $1000 fine.
¤Others can sue you if you give alcohol to anyone under 21 and they, in turn, hurt someone, hurt themselves or damage property.
¤Officers can take any alcohol, money, or property used in committing the offense.
Things you can do as a parent:
•Refuse to supply alcohol to anyone under 21.
•Be at home when your teen has a party.
•Make sure that alcohol is not brought into your home or property by your teen's friends.
•Talk to other parents about not providing alcohol at other events your teen will be attending.
•Create alcohol-free opportunites and activities in your home so teens feel welcome.
•Report Underage Drinking to Local Law Enforcement!!!
Communities That Care Youth Development Coalition of Jefferson County 167 Polk Street, Suite 320 Watertown, NY 13601 315-788-4660
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