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That's why Darien Police Department warns it typically sees an increase in the number of calls for gatherings where juveniles are consuming alcohol.
This increase can be attributed to prom season, the end of the school year, and the return of college students to town, police say.
Darien Police take this opportunity to remind parents and homeowners about the criminal consequences of allowing the consumption of alcohol by minors at their homes.
Various social-host and underage-possession charges can be brought against any parent or homeowner who either; actively participates in allowing juveniles to possess or procure alcohol, or passively allows the possession/consumption to take place.
Most people are aware that allowing minors to drink in their home is illegal, but many don’t realize that the law allows for charges to be brought in situations where the police feel parents “should” have known underage drinking is a potential.
According to Darien Police, an example of this would be allowing your child to have 20 of their friends over, and for the group to be unsupervised in the basement of the home. If police were summoned to the home, and determined that alcohol was being consumed in that basement, the parents could be charged as they should have anticipated the potential for alcohol consumption.
Darien Police suggest taking active steps to assure that any gatherings at your home are safe and alcohol free. Checking on gatherings, knowing who’s in your home and talking with your children are good first-steps.
Taking these proactive measures ensures the safety of your children and their friends, and protects you from the potential criminal consequences of alcohol being present without your knowledge.
If at any time you are aware of a situation where minors are consuming alcohol, police urge you to contact them via phone or as an internet-based tip from their website to ensure the safety of those involved.
The sale or delivery of alcohol to a minor can result in a $3,500 fine and/or 18 months in jail.
The state's "Social Host Law," prohibiting minors to possess alcohol on private property can result in a fine of $2,000 and/or 12 months in jail.
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