Press Release

Don't Be A Party To Teenage Drinking

By Sgt. Steve Panattoni

For years, law enforcement has primarily focused on retailers who sell alcohol to minors. Now community leaders are taking aim at parents who provide alcohol. Kittitas County Healthy Youth Survey 2006 results revealed that 65 percent of underage youth say they get alcohol from family and friends, with or without permission. Most troubling, some parents are willing accomplices in planning teen parties and turn a blind eye to alcohol use in their homes– with the mistaken belief that it is safer for kids to drink at home than somewhere else. Parents may regard high school graduation as a rite of passage where it is fine for alcohol to be served. But the legal drinking age in Washington is 21. Underage drinking is illegal in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

That's why Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office and the Kittitas County Community Network are joining with other law enforcement officials across the nation to remind parents if your teen drinks and drives, you may be legally liable for any damage, injury or death caused by your child. This is especially true if you provided the alcohol. The consumption or possession of alcohol provided by you is all the evidence needed for you to be criminally prosecuted or civilly sued. In Washington State, Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor is a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to 90 days in jail and up to a $1000 fine.

If you are planning a party for your teen:

· Help make the guest list and limit the number to be invited.

· Put your phone number on the invitation and encourage calls from other parents. Think about inviting some of the other parents to help supervise.

· At the party, limit access to a specified area. Make regular, unannounced visits to the party area.

· If your teen is attending a party at someone else's home, call the parent to verify there will be adult supervision and no alcohol served.

· Know how your teen is getting to and from the party. When your teen arrives home, kissing them good night is one way to detect if alcohol was used.

· If you are going away for the weekend and leaving your teen home alone, set clear ground rules and consequences. Notify your neighbors, ask them to keep an eye out and leave phone numbers to call in the event of an emergency.

· Talk to your kids and make sure they know you are concerned for their safety and do not condone underage drinking or DUI.

· Most importantly, as a responsible parent, don't be a party to teenage drinking.

Sgt. Steve Panattoni is a lifelong county resident, parent, grandparent, and 27 year veteran of the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office. The Kittitas County Community Network/Drug Free Communities Coalition and the Community Network agency, through a federal Drug Free Communities grant, are implementing the “Start Talking Before They Start Drinking” campaign as a community service for parents. For more information go to www.kccn-dfc.com.