What you need o know — ASAP
Sponsored by the Aroostook Substance Abuse Prevention Collaborative
As part of its “Parents Who Host, Lose The Most: Don’t Be A Party To Teenage Drinking” public awareness campaign, ASAP and its County partners are providing parents and communities with information about the health risks of underage drinking and the legal consequences of providing alcohol to youth.
The campaign encourages parents and community members to send a unified message that teen alcohol consumption in not acceptable. It is illegal, unsafe, and unhealthy for anyone under age 21 to drink alcohol. Moreover, adults who provide a place for minors to consume alcohol place themselves at risk for significant legal consequences.
According to Maine law:
• Parents who give alcohol to their teen’s friends under any circumstances, even in their own homes, even with their parent’s permission, are breaking the law.
• Parents who knowingly allow a person under 21 to remain in their home or on their property while consuming or possessing alcoholic beverages are breaking the law.
What happens if the law is broken?
• Children can get hurt or die.
• Adults can face a fine of up to $2,000 and/or up to one year in jail.
• Adults can be sued if they give alcohol to anyone under 21 and they in turn hurt someone, hurt themselves or damage property.
Underage use of alcohol is a serious problem that too often leads to harmful consequences for youth and their families. Protect yourself, your children and your community by following these guidelines:
• Host safe, alcohol-free activities and events for youth
• Refuse to supply alcohol to underage youth or allow drinking in your home or on your property
• Be at home when your teenager has a party
• Contact local police to monitor your home if you plan to leave your teen overnight
• Make sure your teenager’s friends do not bring alcohol into your home/property
• Talk to other parents about not providing alcohol
• Report underage drinking parties or violations by calling local police or: 1-800-924-2261
The article was brought to you by Aroostook Substance Abuse Prevention. For more information about ASAP and its prevention efforts contact Clare Desrosiers, project director at 521-2408.
