Protect yourself, your children: Know Maine’s laws on hosting parties

    During this season of celebrations and warm weather, ASAP Coalition is encouraging all parents and adults to remember two significant facts: Alcohol kills 6.5 times more youth than all other illegal drugs combined; and adults over 18-years-old who provide a place for minors to consume alcohol place themselves at risk for significant legal consequences, including a fine of up to $2,000 and/or up to one year in jail.
    Here’s a real life example of teens supplying alcohol to other teens: The Aroostook County Sheriff’s Department arrested an 18-year-old in 2009 and charged the individual with furnishing a place for minors to consume alcohol. The arrestee hosted a party at a camp he had rented; a number of youth were present.
    What happens in this kind of situation?
• Sexual assault, physical injuries, drownings and even death.
• Adults can be sued if they give alcohol to anyone under 21 and they in turn hurt someone, hurt themselves or damage property.
    Tips to protect yourself and your teen from harm:
• Ask your teen where he is going.
• Follow up and call him when he is out.
• Get to know his friends.
• Wait up for him.
• If you are going away for a few days without your teenager, contact your local police department and ask them to monitor your home (for info go to: http://www.asapcoalition.com/services/pact.html).
    The article was brought to you by ASAP Coalition Alcohol Workgroup Members: Aroostook Chiefs of Police, CADET, Community Voices, Healthy Aroostook, Power of Prevention, and WAGM. For more information about ASAP and its prevention efforts call 521-2408 or go to asapcoalition.com.