As the holiday season arrives, local police are on constant alert. Sadly, they intuitively know that just below the festive spirit and joyous celebration lurks a grim reality. For more than one household in Lincoln County, the holidays could be shattered as families face tragedy and heartbreak and, for some, the realization that loved ones will not be with them in 2010.
“If you drink, don’t drive!” “Alcohol kills”, – the messages are familiar and yet every year from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, alcohol sales increase and so does the rate of alcohol-related incidents – car accidents, domestic violence, sexual assault and crime – all with injuries and fatalities.
Unfortunately, many of these incidents happen to youth not even old enough to drink legally in the State of Maine. With this in mind, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office hopes to help parents and caregivers protect their children and themselves, not only during the holiday party season, but all year long.
They offer some vital reminders and tips. The first important reminder is the warning slogan used in the national Drug Action Alliance campaign, “Parents Who Host, Lose the Most – Don’t be a party to teenage drinking, it’s against the law.”
• Social Hosting is providing and/or serving alcohol to a young person(s) under the age of 21 or providing a place for minors to consume alcohol.
• It is illegal to host or allow underage drinking parties at one’s home. Adults can be arrested, sentenced and fined if they allow minors to consume alcohol at their home.
• Adults can be sued if a minor’s drinking in their home results in death or serious injury to any person.
• Adults can be arrested and charged with a felony if someone is injured or killed as a result of the alcohol you supplied.
• Holiday Tips for Parents-keeping children alcohol free
Help one’s child develop tools they can use to get out of alcohol or drug related situations.
• Get to know one’s child’s friends and parent’s. Be sure that the other parents share one’s views on alcohol and other drugs.
• Know where one’s alcohol is kept and the amount there to limit youth access to it. Stolen alcohol is one of the most common causes of underage drinking.
• During home gatherings, offer other drinks besides alcohol. Children are impressionable, and may believe that these fun times only focus on alcohol consumption, not on time spent with family and friends. Refuse to serve or supply alcohol to anyone under age 21.
• Have clear rules on adult drinking and driving. Every day, a child in America will get in a car with a drunk driver. If someone is over their own limit, take the keys or offer other transportation.
• Set a good example. Children look up to their parents and want to emulate their behavior.
Report a Youth Drinking Party in Lincoln County For a planned party or a party in progress contact Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. Call: 882-7332.
For more information contact: Healthy Lincoln County at 563-6123 – Joyce Steel or Lee Emmons, CASA, Communities Against Substance Abuse. “Parents Who Host, Lose the Most” was developed by Drug-Free Action Alliance, www.DrugFreeActionAlliance.org.
