Solon Schools Urge Safety During Prom Celebration

Editor's Note: The following information was provided by Solon Schools

With prom and graduation just days away, the thoughts of area teens are turning to parties and celebrations.

But at the same time, the are urging students to celebrate responsibly and parents and local businesses that are hosting underage student parties to ensure these gatherings are drug and alcohol free.

Ohio’s keg law carries stiff penalties for adults who enable underage drinking that occurs on property under their control. The law covers underage drinking in private homes as well as at hotels, motels, campgrounds and other public places like restaurants.

Ohio law also contains harsh penalties including six months in jail and fines up to $1,000 for parents who allow underage drinking in their home.

Specifically, if an after-prom or graduation party is held at a private home and the parents knowingly allow underage teens to drink alcohol, the teenagers and the parents are both violating the law. In addition, the parents can be held liable for any injuries or damage caused by a teenager who has consumed alcohol at their house.

State law also prohibits the use of false identification by a person under the age of 21 for the purpose of purchasing alcohol.

To provide a safe and drug- and alcohol-free atmosphere for students to pursue their after-prom festivities each year, the Solon High School PTA stages an extensive, themed event immediately following prom. This year’s event will be held at Solon High School, where party-goers will enjoy A Glimpse of the World, casino games, music, food, dancing and other activities.

The public is invited to an open house to view the extensive after-prom decorations at just prior to the event on Saturday, May 19, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Ohio Laws Pertaining to Underage Drinking:

• In Ohio, parents may be held liable for any injury or damage caused by a teenager who has been permitted to drink alcohol in their home.
• Parents, regardless of whether they are present on the premises, are legally responsible for any alcohol consumption that occurs in their home by anyone under age 21. Parents are legally responsible under any circumstances even if the teen’s parents have given their underage child permission to consume an alcoholic beverage.
• It is a crime in Ohio to provide alcoholic beverages of any kind, including liquor, beer, wine and wine coolers, to any person under the age of 21.
• Any person under age 21 who provides false identification for the purpose of purchasing alcoholic beverages is guilty of a crime.
• State and local laws prohibit the possession of an alcoholic beverage anywhere by minors, including in a public place or car.