Press Release

From: Four Corners Health Department, Vicki Duey

Date: May 5, 2010

Underage Drinking Can Have Adult Consequences

Graduation parties can be great celebrations, but parents can face jail time, fines and even the loss of their home or business if they provide alcohol to a minor who then injures or kills someone.  Nebraska’s Minor Alcoholic Liquor Liability Act holds liable a social host who allowed the minor to consume alcohol in the social host's home or on property under his or her control. 

It is important to remember that although alcohol is legal for adults, it is illegal, unsafe, and unhealthy for youth younger than 21.  Parents can minimize the potential for tragedy and exposure to liability by making sure alcohol is not available to their children and their friends who are underage.

“Adults can face serious consequences from underage drinking or drinking and driving,” said Vicki Duey of Four Corners Health Department.   “Underage drinking is often dismissed as a normal “rite of passage” in adolescence.”

Scot Adams, director of the Division of Behavioral Health in the Department of Health and Human Services, states, “The bottom line is that providing alcohol to minors is simply unacceptable.”

Tips to parents who are planning a graduation party:
?  Establish firm ground rules and expectations before the party and ask your child to communicate them with his/her guests before the event.
?  Make it clear to underage guests that alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs are not allowed and be sure to provide plenty of snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.
?  Monitor the party area frequently, as well as areas that are off-limits to guests.
?  Be prepared to call a guest’s parents if the youth appears to be under the influence or brings alcohol or other drugs to the party.