Keep alcohol off the guest list at teen parties

Goshen — The Community Alliance for the Prevention of Substance Abuse (CAPSA) is launching a new campaign in Orange County: “Parents Who Host, Lose The Most: Don’t be a party to teenage drinking, it’s against the law.” The campaign is part of an underage drinking prevention initiative. Parents making party preparations for teen’s prom or graduation are being encouraged to invite their children’s friends, but to keep alcohol off the guest list. Hosting a party for teens where alcohol is available is illegal, and can be costly to everyone involved. During this busy party season, the campaign hopes to raise the awareness of parents and other adults about the legal ramifications and health and safety risks of serving alcohol to teens. Parents who knowingly allow a person under age 21 to remain on their property while consuming or possessing alcoholic beverages can be prosecuted and face jail sentencing, fines, and loss of property. Research shows that parents tend to underestimate underage drinking generally, and their own children’s drinking in particular. Although it is illegal to sell or give alcohol to youths under 21, they do not have a hard time getting it. According to the recent report “Reducing Underage Drinking - A Collective Responsibility” by the National Research Council and Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, more than 90 percent of twelfth graders report that alcohol is “very easy” or “fairly easy” to get. Youth usually obtain alcohol directly, or indirectly, from adults. And when underage youth drink, they drink more heavily and recklessly than adults. For more information, call 294-9000.