Parties don’t have to have alcohol

What’s the best way to avoid underage drinking at graduation parties?

Don’t provide alcohol to anyone, said Chassity Bassett, project coordinator for Project Extra Mile in Dodge, Saunders and Washington counties.

"You’re dealing with a unique setting when you’re dealing with young people and adults at a graduation party," she said. "It’s an opportunity to step back and think about if it’s appropriate to have alcohol at all."

She said if there is any alcohol present at a graduation party, it is an opportunity for underage drinking and it’s not worth the risk.

"To really avoid youth access to alcohol is to avoid alcohol," Bassett said. "Alcohol is the No. 1 killer of youth - more than all illicit drugs combined."

There is another reason for parents to avoid alcohol at graduation celebrations, a financial one.

"You can be held financially liable if someone drinks and leaves," Bassett said.

The dram shop and social host liability law went into effect Jan. 1 in Nebraska. The new law states that adults who provide or sell alcohol to a minor can be held civilly liable if that minor injures or kills someone.

"We don’t know the full reach of the law yet. It hasn’t been tested," Bassett said. "It does send a clear message to adults that providing alcohol to kids will result in serious consequences and financial responsibility."

She said it’s time for adults to no longer look at alcohol as a right of passage and have it available at graduation parties.

"Be up front and direct and let them know it’s an alcohol-free party," Bassett said. "It’s an underage celebration of someone’s achievement. If they’re underage, they shouldn’t have alcohol. It’s an opportunity to send a message that you don’t need alcohol to have a good time."

If anyone shows up with alcohol, she suggested confiscating it or asking them to leave. If the person bringing the alcohol refuses to leave or give up the alcohol, the police can take care of the situation.

"If you know of underage drinking parties occurring, contact law enforcement," Bassett said. "Stay connected and know the whereabouts of your child."

She said to make sure an adult is present at all parties and that to know that alcohol is not.

"Have safe, fun, sober parties," Bassett said. "Alcohol and youth just don’t mix."

With the new liability law, she said adults should be even more diligent to keep alcohol away from kids because it could effect their livelihood.

"Kids use the same excuses (for drinking) all the time and it’s just that, an excuse," Bassett said. "You need to teach your kids that until you turn 21, it’s not accepted."