Hosting a Drinking Party for Graduating High

School Students Can Result in Arrest, Big Fines

and Court Costs, MIP’s for the Guests, and Even

Tragedy….

It is illegal to serve alcohol to one’s own as well as others’ under 21-year old

children. Hosting an event at which minors are able to obtain alcohol is also

illegal. The best choice for Graduation Parties is to go alcohol-free, focusing on

activities suited for 18-year olds rather than targeting the party to adults.

Presumably, we parents have been talking with our teens and pre-teens regularly

about our disapproval of underage alcohol and other drug (AOD) use. Our

children know that we do not want them to suffer the brain damage and other

consequences that result from AOD use during adolescence. We have an

obligation to reinforce those conversations with our actions when we face the

joy/sadness of seeing our teens take a first big step away from home and into the

future.

Below are a few tips to consider for hosting your own alcohol-free celebrations

(from our friends at the Wallowa Valley Together Project, Inc., wvtp@class.oregonvos.net):

• Plan the party with your graduate.

• Don’t assume your graduate understands your expectations; explain

them clearly and plainly, as well as the consequences for breaking the

rules – The fundamental rule is no alcohol or other drug use by

ANYONE.

• Create the guest list with your graduate and know the guests your

graduate wants to invite.

• Do not allow uninvited guests into the party

• Do not serve energy drinks; these are not merely beverages with extra

caffeine, they are a dangerous stimulant (which can be made even more

ne

dangerous when “spiked” with alcohol).

• Do not allow guests to bring in their own beverages.

• Do not allow guests to leave the party and return; go with guests who

need to get something from their car.

• Decide on the location and boundaries of the party and limit guests to

this area.

• Keep the party area well-lit.

• Be present and visible during all of the party; walk through frequently.

• Have other parents or adult family chaperone with you.

• Do not allow adult guests or chaperones to consume alcohol.

• If you keep alcohol in your home, put the alcohol away in a secure

location where it is not visible and is not accessible to guests.

• Make sure all over-the-counter and prescription medicines are secured

and not accessible.

 

 

 

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