Do you know about Social Host Law?
Dutchess County Government adopted its Social Host Law in June of 2008. The law addresses underage drinking by holding adults over 18 accountable if they allow alcohol use by minors.
Adults who permit underage drinking in their residences or on their property could face serious consequences…
- A 1st offense will be punishable by a fine of up to $250
- A 2nd offense carries a fine of up to $500
- A 3rd offense carries a fine of up to $1,000 and up to a year in jail
The legal drinking age exists to protect kids… Did you know that since laws established 21 as the minimum drinking age, the likelihood that a 15-20-year-old driver will be involved in a fatal car crash has dropped by more than half?
Consequences of Underage Alcohol Use
Research indicates that alcohol use during the teenage years can interfere with normal adolescent brain development and increase the risk of developing alcohol use disorder. In addition, underage drinking contributes to a range of acute consequences, such as injuries, sexual assaults, alcohol overdoses, and deaths—including those from motor vehicle crashes.
Alcohol is a factor in the deaths of thousands of people younger than age 21 in the United States each year…
This includes:
- 1,345 from motor vehicle crashes
- 998 from homicides
- 177 from alcohol overdose, falls, burns, and drowning
- 649 from suicides
Most teens who drink get alcohol from social sources, like parties and older friends. Teen drinking is linked to injury and risky behavior. We can reduce underage drinking by stopping easy access to alcohol.
Talking to your kids about the harmful effects of alcohol and drugs is a first step towards the development of healthy lifestyle patterns.
For those caregivers looking for ways to start the conversation with their child about drugs and alcohol, there are several great free resources available on our website (under the resource tab). If you prefer to speak with one of our staff about this topic, call us at 845-765-8301 or email education@capedc.org.
Data Source: NIH/NIAAA (2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health) & Dutchess County Government (STOP DWI)