Parents and Police Partner to Prevent Teen Drinking

BARRON COUNTY, Wis. -- During this season of social gatherings, a reminder from the Barron County Community Coalition and Barron County Sheriff’s Department to parents who may want to host a party and serve alcohol:  Parents Who Host, Lose The Most: Don’t be a party to teenage drinking. 

Now through June, coalition members and the Barron County Sheriff’s Department are raising awareness about the risks of serving and providing alcohol to minors at parties.

“Too many people think underage drinking is harmless,” said Sarah Turner, Prevention Specialist with the Barron County Community Coalition. “That’s not true. Alcohol related drowning, falls, crashes and suicides kill hundreds of teens each year. In addition to physical injury and death, many adults forget about the other costs associated with providing alcohol to those under 21, she continued. Some of which include: increased insurance costs, civil or liability costs, healthcare costs, the list goes on and on. Most homeowners’ insurance policies don’t extend liability coverage for illegal activities.  If you provide alcohol to youth; you put your financial future at risk.”

“Parents Who Host Lose the Most,” is a community effort to alert parents of the legal and health related consequences of purchasing, providing, or pouring alcohol for anyone under age 21, other than their own child. Coalition members are providing information about the dangers of underage drinking, the legal consequences of hosting underage drinking in your home, and how adults can host safe and fun alcohol free events for youth.

“Adults who provide alcohol to teens are placing both the teen and themselves in jeopardy,” said Chris Fitzgerald, Barron County Sheriff. It is against the law to provide alcohol to anyone under 21 years old who is not your child or spouse. In Barron County, those who provide alcohol to minors can be fined up to $500 per child. Be smart and keep kids safe this gradation season by not allowing any alcohol at your student's parties.” 

Here are some tips for adults (especially parents) on how to avoid being a party to teenage drinking:

• Don’t be afraid to be the bad guy. Taking a tough stand on alcohol use can help youth say no when they are pressured to drink by their friends.
• Talk with other adults about hosting alcohol-free youth events.  Unity creates a tough, enforceable message.
• Set a positive example. If you host a party, always serve alternative non-alcoholic beverages and do not let anyone drink and drive.
• Stay home if a teen is hosting a party in your home. Observe the activities and confiscate any alcohol that may brought by party goers.
• Report underage drinking to the police promptly.

The “Parents Who Host, Lose The Most: Don’t be a party to teenage drinking” campaign was developed by the Drug Free Action Alliance. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has partnered with the Drug Free Action Alliance since 2009 to provide this program annually to over 40 local coalitions statewide.