Last week when a local man went to court on charges connected to teens drinking on his property, a group of local community members went to court, too. They went to watch what would happen and to send a message to the court system that underage drinking is a serious risk to our youth. Court monitoring, a process of watching what happens to offenders in court cases, is one way of communicating about community norms…..those things that are acceptable and unacceptable to the community. Teen drinking is a serious problem that contributes to criminal behavior, injury, and death among young people.
In Northfield in the spring of 2006, 23% of 6th graders, 38% of 8th graders, and 57% of 9th graders say it is easy for students their age to get alcohol. By the 11th grade, 73% of students report easy access to alcohol. So, how do they get it? The most recent Minnesota Student Survey results indicate that students get their alcohol from friends, at parties, from family members and by getting someone else to buy it for them. Nationally and locally, kids get alcohol from adults. Unless stores selling liquor are not appropriately checking ages before selling alcohol, adult buyers are the common factor in all these ways that kids get alcohol.
Providing alcohol to someone who is under 21 years of age is a crime and it’s expensive. Penalties for providing alcohol to a minor can include large fines and jail or prison time. In addition, an adult who provides alcohol to a minor could be sued in civil court if an underage drinker causes damage to himself/herself, to others, or to property. Let’s take a look at the costs as suggested by the Minnesota Prevention Resource Center. An adult providing a 12-pack of beer to a minor who gets in a car accident could be looking at a huge bill. It could be itemized this way: 12-pack of beer $11.99; Ambulance service $1,528.72; “Jaws of Life” $1,750.64; Blood transfusion $997.42; Medical helicopter $3,150.78; Defense lawyers fees $41,245.86; Bail $2,500; Court settlement $318,415.41. That’s a grand total of $369,415.41 that began with a 12-pack of beer for a young person.
Not only is it illegal to knowingly provide alcohol to minors; you can be held responsible for teens that drink in your home, even if you didn’t provide it. Adults need to supervise teen gatherings in their homes and to make sure that they are safe. If you allow teens to drink in your home, you can be held responsible. In addition to the legal penalties and fines, adults who allow teens to drink may face dramatic rate increases in their insurance coverage.
Parents can be instrumental in helping prevent underage alcohol access and use. Parents should never buy alcohol for their own child, their child’s friends or anyone under 21 years of age. Parents should never allow their teen to have any parties with alcohol on their property. Tell your child that it is against your rules for them to drink alcohol….and supervise their gatherings at your home. Talk to your children about the real impact of alcohol and let them know you believe it is dangerous. Let law enforcement know about any businesses or people providing alcohol to persons under 21.
Community groups are also doing their part to protect our children against underage drinking. The Rice County Chemical Health Coalition has researched the best city ordinances for enforcing underage drinking laws and recommended them to local law enforcement and city councils. The Coalition is also able to provide state-approved server training to local bars, restaurants and stores that sell liquor. A recent mailing from the Rice County Attorney, Paul Beaumaster, encouraged parents to take a firm stand against teen drinking. The Northfield Mayor’s Task Force on Youth Alcohol and Drug Use assisted with the letter. The County’s Zero Alcohol Providers (ZAP) project is aimed at identifying and charging those who supply alcohol to minors. Our schools are committed to providing prevention programs and alternative activities for our children. And now, local citizens are committed to monitoring the legal system when adults who provide alcohol to minors go to court.
