Laws

WHY? BECAUSE THE LAW RULES!

IS IT REALLY WORTH IT???

Adults who serve alcohol to an underage person may be found guilty of a Class A Misdemeanor (Unlawfully Dealing with a Child in the First Degree), Penal Law Section 260.20 (you can face a maximum sentence of one year in jail and or a $1,000.00 fine!)

The Social Host Law makes people responsible and liable for civil awards, if they provide alcohol beverages to persons under the age of 21, who then injure themselves or others! Are you willing to risk your entire financial future?

If someone who obtained ANY illegal or dangerous substance in your home is involved in a motor vehicle accident, injury or causes property damage.

If there is a fight on your property and someone is injured (happens often when alcohol is around!)

If someone is injured on your property even if not in a fight (accidents often happen when alcohol is around!)

If a person becomes sick or overdoses from any substance they obtain (happens often when alcohol is around!)

A Study by the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation
( a not-for-profit public health research institute)
found that in 2001,
underage drinking led to
3,170 deaths and nearly 1 million injuries!

     It is illegal to host or allow teen drinking parties in your home.
     It is unhealthy and unacceptable for anyone under age 21 to drink.
        It is unsafe and illegal for teens to drink and drive.
        Parents can be criminally prosecuted under the law.
        Parents can be sued civilly for any damages caused by hosting or
            allowing teens to drink alcohol in your home.

Parents:

Ultimately, also remember that you can be contributing to youth developing real problems with alcohol
if you allow drinking in your home, and/or approve of it.

Research shows that the younger that youth begin to drink –
the higher the probability of having long term problems such as developing alcoholism (the “Delay the Onset of Drinking Theory).

Research also shows that teens who begin to drink earlier
also have a higher probability of progressing onto
other drugs (The Gateway Theory.)