Published: June 25, 2008 11:51 am            

Underage drinking requires restrictions

What? Restrictions? Underage drinking shouldn’t be allowed at all, right? Not necessarily. It is possible for an underage person (under 21, also referred to as a minor) to drink alcoholic beverages. That is, for religious purposes and under personal supervision of a parent or guardian.

Ada is a college town, and let’s be honest — there is a lot of underage drinking going on. Students fresh out of high school, finally out from under their parents’ roofs are eager to explore the world. Unfortunately, underage drinking is a part of this experimentation. Even residents who are not college students often take part in some sort of party somewhere. Studies have shown that people who reported drinking before the age of 15 were four times more likely to become alcoholics.

The city of Ada has recognized underage drinking is a problem, not only socially, but healthwise too. Many cities across Oklahoma have adopted a “Social Host Ordinance” which is designed to help detour parties where binge drinking is practiced.

Under this ordinance, adults over 21 are held responsible for providing the alcohol to the minor in a party situation. A party is defined as three or more people gathered other than at a family or religious function. At family or religious functions, a minor is allowed to partake in alcoholic beverages as long as that minor does not leave the premises of the function in an intoxicated manner.

Also, a minor may drink only if under the personal supervision of a parent or guardian and in the privacy of their home.

This ordinance is not designed to punish people, but to help prevent this activity by providing law enforcement another tool to hold the adult(s) responsible.

Some have argued if an 18-year-old is old enough to vote and fight for his country, he should be allowed to consume alcohol legally. There are great points both for and against this idea. However, the law is what it is and until that changes, residents are expected to abide by the laws.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.