Health & Fitness
Its in the Fridge, Right Next to the Milk...
The night before Thanksgiving is the biggest underage drinking night of the year. Included is a snapshot of the legal consequences for underage drinking, for both parents and youth.
New Canaan residents, don't forget about Connecticut's house party bill during this holiday season.
Turns out Thanksgiving Eve (the night before Thanksgiving) – is the biggest night for underage drinking, even more than graduation or prom night.
The fridge and the liquor cabinets are stocked, parents are distracted by relatives and dinner preparations, and older siblings, or college-age friends are around. Refresh yourself on Connecticut’s laws in regards to underage drinking and house parties.
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An underage drinking “house party” is a gathering of two or more people in a home or on private property where youth under 21 years of age possess and consumes alcohol.
61 percent of Connecticut youth report in surveys that they drink at “house parties.”
Find out what's happening in New Canaanwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
77 percent of high school students report obtaining alcohol at home, with or without parental permission.
In Connecticut it is ILLEGAL to host a party where alcohol is consumed by minors.
This is why:
- Anyone under 21 is prohibited from possessing alcohol on public OR private property, unless accompanied by their parent or as part of a religious observance.
- Individuals who knowingly permit minors to possess and/or consume alcohol may be fined, imprisoned or both.
- A first offense for permitting minors to possess alcohol on your property, or failing to halt the possession of alcohol by minors on your property is an infraction subject to a $146 fine. The penalty for subsequent offenses results in a fine up to $500 and/or up to 1 year in prison.
Parents need to be parents, and allowing alcohol parties at home sends a mixed message. It also teaches them that they can break the law. If youth drink at home, then they are drinking other places. Parents, also remember to keep track of the alcohol you purchase and store for the holidays and keep it out of easy reach of minors.
For a Parents Guide on Alcohol Laws and Minors click here.
Find more information at www.settherulesct.com
This write-up can be found in the November 2011 MADD Newsletter.
