NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) - Parents who host parties during this prom and graduation season are being reminded of the facts about underage drinking. 

Tuscarawas County Anti-Drug Coalition Coordinator Jodi Salvo says the consequences for teens who drink include more than a DUI.

“Sometimes adults just feel we just need to stop our kids from drinking and driving issues, and that’s really just one consequence of underage drinking, addiction probably being the number one of concern,” she says. “Just making poor choices, from safety issues, from sexual consequences to friendship issues.” 

Salvo says parents who host parties should have zero-tolerance for serving minors alcohol and convey that message to others who attend.

“As parents, we’d really like to encourage you to refuse to supply alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. This just helps ensure keeping our kids safe from accidents, injury, and addiction,” she says. “Alcohol use under the age of 21 does increase the chance of a youth’s addiction to alcohol.”  

Salvo says if you serve minors, you can face a maximum sentence of six months in jail, a $1,000 fine, or others can sue you.  

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