Secretary's Desk

 

With holiday parties, Thanksgiving gatherings and Christmas festivities fast approaching, it is tempting for some adults to allow teens to share in the celebrations by providing them alcohol.  You have heard all the reasons and excuses:  “My parents gave me beer when I was a teen and I’m ok.  It’s ok to drink if your parents are there.  Teens are going to drink anyway so you might as well let it happen.”  However, as an adult, it is your legal and moral responsibility to discourage and stop underage drinking.

 

It is easy to say this issue does not affect you.  However, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics, mile for mile, American teenagers are involved in three times as many fatal crashes as all other drivers with traffic crashes being the leading cause of death for teenagers.  As we enter the peak season for alcohol-related fatalities, we need to actively discourage drinking and driving among everyone, especially teens.  Sharing the road with an impaired teen makes underage drinking your problem too.

 

Illinois’ underage drinking laws are strict and so are the penalties for adults who allow minors to have alcohol.  Did you know that:

1. Providing alcohol to a person under age 21 is a Class A misdemeanor carrying a penalty of possible imprisonment of up to one year and fines of up to $2,500.
   
   
2. A parent/legal guardian who knowingly allows persons under age 21 to consume alcoholic beverages at a private residence is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
   
   
3. A parent/legal guardian who knowingly allows persons under age 21 to consume alcoholic beverages by failing to control access to either the private residence or to alcoholic beverages in the residence and bodily harm results to any person as a result of this access, is guilty of a Class 4 felony carrying a penalty of possible imprisonment of one to three years and fines of up to $25,000.
   
   
4. It is unlawful for any parent/legal guardian to knowingly allow his/her property to be used for the illegal consumption of alcoholic beverages.  If the consumption of alcohol results in great bodily harm or death to any person, the parent/legal guardian is guilty of a Class 4 felony.

 

Do not let your holidays turn into a tragedy by allowing minors to drink and do not be afraid to stop people who do provide alcohol for teens!  Remember, your best defense against an impaired driver is a safety belt. 

 

Do your part to make this holiday season safe for everyone! 

 

 

 

 

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