Agents warn against offering alcohol to underage party guests

Graduation season is here, and for many parents and graduates, this may also mean graduation parties. Agents with the Ohio Investigative Unit know many parents will refrain from allowing underage party guests from consuming alcohol. However, there are some parents and graduates that will participate in the illegal and dangerous behavior, such as providing alcohol to minors and consuming underage.

“The excitement that comes along with graduation can easily turn into a time of tragedy because of the increased occurrences of underage drinking at parties,” said OIU Enforcement Commander Eric Wolf. “We urge parents not to provide a place or allow alcohol consumption to take place on your property.”

To help foster good choices, parents and teens need to understand Ohio’s underage drinking laws.

• It is illegal to provide a place for your child and his/her friends to drink in a “safe” environment. In fact, parents may not provide alcohol to children who are under 21, who are not their own, even in their own home with the other parents’ permission. Those convicted of providing alcohol to a person under 21 years of age face maximum sentences of six months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
• It is illegal to purchase alcohol for anyone under 21. Anyone who purchases, sells or gives alcoholic beverages to underage individuals faces a $1,000 fine and/or up to six months in jail.
• If you are under 21 and are caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .02 percent or higher, a level that can be reached after just one or two drinks, you can be arrested. Punishment is suspension of your driver license for at least 90 days up to a maximum of two years, plus four points added to your driving record. Having an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle is also illegal.

Together, we must commit to making a safer Ohio, by stopping senseless tragedies associated with irresponsible and illegal underage alcohol consumption. If you have information about a bar; store or carryout selling beer and/or liquor to persons under the age of 21; or you have information of an underage house party, please notify the Ohio Investigative Unit by calling the #677 on your cell phone and your complaint will be investigated.