Think You're Keeping Kids Safe? Think Again.

 

Everyone knows that the legal drinking age is 21 in every state and in the District of Columbia. Parents find themselves in an interesting place with this, since the legal drinking age was 18 back in their day. Some think, "Hey, it was fine for us to party and we're all still here." Others adamantly believe in following the letter of the law to protect their children. And others are right in the middle, "As long as my child drinks responsibly under my roof with my supervision, it's acceptable."

"In many cases, parents do this under the false assumption that they are protecting their kids," said Robert Lindsey, Director of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. "They make the assumption that they won't drink elsewhere and that's not true."

Marking the end of another school year, the parties are amping up - Memorial Day Weekend, graduations, Fourth of July, and more. If you are hosting a party for your underage child and their friends, please consider the following:

1. It is illegal in the state of Maryland to provide alcohol to minors, whether it is in your home or elsewhere. It is a criminal offense which can result in probation, heavy fines, jail time, and you can be sued for damages.

Maryland's Social Host Law: It is a violation of the law to knowingly and willfully allow possession or consumption of an alcoholic beverage by an underage person in a residence and the area around a residence.

Adults who are charged with this violation face graduated sentences. The first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum fine of $2,500. Second and subsequent offenses are misdemeanors punishable by a maximum fine of $5,000.  (Maryland Criminal Law Code Annotated Section 10-121).

2. You could be held responsible if one of the party attendees gets into a drunk driving accident after consuming alcohol at your home / on your property.

3. You could be held responsible if violence results after minors have consumed alcohol at your home /on your property.

4. Your job, security clearance, or professional license could be compromised.

Please consider the possible consequences.

Your kids may not think you're cool now,

but they will one day.