What Parents Should Know

Underage drinking laws:

• 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, even with their parent's 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 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.
• 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 child will be attending.
• Create alcohol-free opportunities and activities in your home so teens will feel welcome.
• Report underage drinking to local law enforcement.

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