Celebrating with Care During Prom and Graduation Season

For high school and college students, the month of June brings with it the joys and celebrations of such milestone events as proms, graduations, and the start of summer vacation. For parents, the season also brings with it questions and concerns about the potential consequences of all the partying that accompanies those occasions. At this very special time of year for students and their families, take a few minutes to acquaint yourself with some very important information about underage drinking laws and New Jersey’s Host Liability Law.

When it comes to underage drinking, which means anyone under the age of 21, just one drink is all it takes to face the legal consequences. Underage drinkers face mandatory loss of driving privileges for six months, even if no car is involved at all. For those who don’t yet have a driver’s license, the suspension starts when they do become eligible. An additional 30 days may be added to the six-month license suspension for drinking in a motor vehicle.

In addition, underage drinkers incur a minimum fine of $100, a disorderly person’s record, additional charges if a false ID is used, community service hours, and participation in a program of alcohol education and highway safety.

If you are under 21 and drive with any detectable amount of alcohol in your system whatsoever (.01 blood alcohol content or above), you will be subjected to the following penalties: loss or postponement of driving privileges, community service, satisfaction of the program requirements of an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center, and insurance surcharges.

Minors who drive and have a blood alcohol content of .08% or more would encounter even harsher penalties.

Teens and young adults under 21 who choose to drink are not the only ones who face legal ramifications. There are also regulations in place, under the state’s Host Liability Law, for parents and other adults who may allow underage drinking in their home or property.

As a parent, you cannot give alcohol to your teen’s friends under the age of 21, under any circumstances, 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 those laws, 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 else, hurt themselves, or damage property. Police officers can confiscate any alcohol, money, or property used in committing the offense.

What can you as a parent or guardian do to prevent such incidents? The answers are simple and obvious – and take care, consistency, involvement, and vigilance. Refuse to supply alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. Be there when your child 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 that your child will be attending. Create alcohol-free opportunities and activities in your home so teens feel welcome and occupied. Report underage drinking to local law enforcement.

Remember – and remind your student – that the life that is saved may be their own, or that of any one of their friends or classmates. At this very special, happy time of year, keep the celebratory toasts non-alcoholic. And toast to their health and happiness, safety and long life.

For more information, contact the Holmdel Alliance to Prevent Alcoholism & Drug Abuse at www.holmdeltownship-nj.com or call (732) 946-4330, ext. 1214.