Underage Drinking

Most people know that underage drinking is illegal, yet many high-school parties for graduation and after-prom have alcoholic beverages available. Someparents think serving alcohol to minors is acceptable if the party is supervised, but Ohio law specifically states that any consumption by a minor is illegal.

As a parent, you cannot give alcohol to your teenπs friends under the age of 21 under any circumstances, even in your own home, even with their parentsπ permisson. Also, 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 this law, you can face a maximum sentence of six months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. Others can sue you if you give alcohol to anyone under 21 and they, in turn, hurt someone, hurt themselves, or damage property.

• Things you can do as a parent include:
  
  
• Refuse to supply alcohol to minors in your home;
  
  
• Be at home when your teen has a party;
  
  
• Talk to other parents about not providing alcohol at other events your child will be attending;
  
  
• Report underage drinking by calling the anonymous, toll-free Hotline at 1-877-4-MINORS.