Don’t Make Your Home a Crime Scene: Get the Facts About Underage Drinking
AUSTIN?Here comes Santa Claus?and jolly good times with family, friends and parties. Yet, in the blink of an eye, the mood can turn from magic to tragic when underage kids and alcohol mix. During this holiday season, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission wants to remind the public of underage drinking laws and ways to help reduce or prevent the dangerous consequences of underage drinking.
“I want everyone to have a happy holiday but want to caution adults about providing, furnishing or selling alcohol to minors. It’s against the law to give alcohol to anyone under 21 (other than your child)?even in your own residence, even with their parent’s permission,” says TABC Administrator Alan Steen.
Maximum criminal penalties for violators include up to a $4,000 fine, up to one year in jail and an automatic suspension of your driver’s license for six months upon conviction.
And the consequences don’t stop there. Adults can be civilly liable for damages caused by an intoxicated minor younger than 18 if the adult knowingly provided the alcohol or allowed the minor to be served alcohol on property owned or leased by the adult, and the minor, in turn, hurt someone, hurt themselves or damaged property.
“Don’t risk turning your home into a crime scene by providing alcohol to minors. Most importantly, don’t risk the safety and well-being of your children and your community,” Steen continues. “I want to encourage parents never to underestimate the difference you can make-the impact you may have-and the lives you may be saving.”
Studies show parents remain the number one deterrent to underage drinking, and communication is the key to prevention. Parents can take action to prevent underage drinking by:
· talking to their kids about the consequences of alcohol (legal, health, personal);
· setting clear expectations with their kids that they may not drink under the age of 21 and must obey the law;
· hosting alcohol-free parties or activities;
· getting involved in their child’s activities, meeting their friends, knowing their plans and checking on them;
· meeting the parents of their kid’s friends and exchanging phone numbers; · refusing to supply alcohol to youth;
· setting a good example (don’t drink and drive);
· knowing the signs of alcohol use;
· teaching their kids never to get into a car with someone who has been drinking.
Contact: Debbie Dixon, Director, Education and Prevention Department, (512) 206-3291