Agents remind parents and students of Ohio’s Alcohol Law ahead of prom

Agents remind parents and students of Ohio’s Alcohol Law ahead of promA

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Throughout the prom and graduation season, the Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU) encourages parents and students to refrain from participating in illegal and dangerous behavior, such as providing alcohol to minors and consuming underage.

“We know this is a momentous time for your family, but please celebrate responsibly,” said Major Gary Allen, commander of OIU. “It is important to educate our youth while helping foster good choices. Parents and community members can do their part by understanding Ohio’s underage drinking laws.”

To help foster good choices, parents and teens need to understand Ohio’s underage drinking laws.

• It is illegal to provide a place for your child and his/her friends to drink in a “safe” environment. In fact, parents may not provide alcohol to children who are under 21, who are not their own, even in their own home with the other parents’ permission. Those convicted of providing alcohol to a person under 21 years of age face a maximum sentence of six months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
• It is illegal to purchase alcohol for anyone under 21. Anyone who purchases, sells or gives alcoholic beverages to underage individuals faces a $1,000 fine and/or up to six months in jail.
• If you are under 21 and are caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .02 percent or higher, a level that can be reached after just one or two drinks, you can be arrested. Punishment is suspension of your driver license for at least 90 days up to a maximum of two years, plus four points added to your driving record. Having an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle is also illegal. Also, carry outs and drive-through establishments should be on alert for underage individuals attempting to purchase alcohol. Agents also recommend limo companies review policies with their drivers and ensure they know they may also be charged with permitting underage consumption. Together, we must commit to making a safer Ohio, by stopping senseless tragedies associated with irresponsible and illegal underage alcohol consumption. If you have information about a bar; store or carryout selling beer and/or liquor to persons under the age of 21; or you have information of an underage house party, please notify the Ohio Investigative Unit by calling the #677 on your cell phone and your complaint will be investigated.