Sponsored by the Aroostook Substance Abuse Prevention Collaborative
Warmer weather and graduation time increase the propensity for parties and youth consumption of alcohol. Many believe that underage drinking is a “harmless” and inevitable “rite of passage” this time of year.
However, not only does underage drinking pose health, safety and legal problems for teens, the consequences can extend well beyond young folks to all individuals. Financial and legal ramifications can befall any homeowner, landowner, or individual who sells, gives, or otherwise provides alcohol to a minor, or place for minors to consume.
From a legal standpoint:
• Anyone who knowingly allows a person under age 21 (other than their own child) to remain on their property while consuming or possessing alcoholic beverages, can be prosecuted;
• Providing alcohol or a place for a minor to consume is a criminal offense that can result in fines up to $2,000 and jail time; and
• Under the Maine Liquor Liability Act, providers of alcohol can be held responsible and liable for damages, injury, and loss to a person or property. If someone is injured as a result of unlawful alcohol consumption, damages may be awarded up to $350,000 plus medical expenses.
County coalitions are encouraging all communities and individuals to send a unified message, that teen alcohol consumption is unhealthy, unsafe, unacceptable, and illegal. Individuals can express their disapproval of underage drinking by:
• Monitoring young peoples’ whereabouts and activity;
• Never providing alcohol, or a place for a minor to consume; and/or
• Reporting illegal activity to authorities.
For more specific context of Maine liquor laws and information on how to prevent underage drinking, please visit www.maineparents.net.
This article brought to you by Community Voices, a program sponsored by Healthy Aroostook and Power of Prevention with funding from the Maine Office of Substance Abuse.
