Tips for Hosting Graduation Parties, Limiting Underage Drinking

On the eve of Greenwich High School’s graduation ceremony Thursday night, Greenwich police are advising parents of their legal responsibilities when it comes to graduation parties and underage drinking.

“The police department is not interested in making arrests around the graduation season but is interested in avoiding a needless tragedy,” police spokesman Lt. Kraig Gray said. “The combination of youthful exuberance, the use of intoxicants and lax supervision by some well-meaning parents all too often result in unfortunate outcomes.”

Greenwich High is the last school in town to hold its commencement ceremony, which will be held at Cardinal Stadium at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

The Greenwich Police Department issued this reminder. “Anyone exercising dominion of any property, that you have a legal responsibility to stop anyone under the age of 21 to possess alcohol on your property. You may also be criminally and civilly responsible for any crime or injury that happens once that alcohol was consumed by anyone under the age of 21.”

Citing Connecticut state law, police said it is illegal to “knowingly permit any minor to possess alcoholic liquor” in any dwelling unit or private property.

Here are some party guidelines that Greenwich Police say may help keep teens safe and underage parties alcohol-free:

PARENTS

• Prepare your teenager for the possibility that uninvited guests may arrive when you are away. Your teen should know where to reach you, another responsible adult or the police.

• Call the parents who are hosting the party to ask them if they plan on making it an alcohol-free party. Ask the host when the party is going to end.

• Consider saying NO to any sleep over plan.

• Be awake when your child returns home and greet them. Look out for signs of alcohol and drug use.

• Make a plan with your child to call you if they discover alcohol at a party.

• Make sure your child calls you if they plan on leaving the party to go somewhere else.

HOSTS

• Plan the activity with your teen and discuss who is invited.

• Have a responsible adult at the door to enforce the guest list.

• Have sufficient responsible chaperones.

• Be visible and circulate through the party often.

• No one should leave the party and then return.

• Don’t allow water bottles and backpacks into the party.

• Call the parent if a teen brings alcohol.

• Establish areas of the house that are off-limits.

• Lock liquor and medicine cabinets.

TEENS

• Don’t get in a car with someone who has been drinking or doing drugs. Call your parents or Safe Rides at 203-869-8445.

• Don’t drink something if you unsure of its origin/contents. There are many drinks that can be spiked with drugs that can render you unconscious.

• Stay in groups; don’t let a friend walk off with someone if they have been drinking.

• If one of your friends makes a mistake, don’t make it worse by leaving someone alone who may pass out. Call a responsible adult and immediately call 911 if you suspect alcohol poisoning. You may be saving a life.

Patch file photo: Greenwich High School graduation. Credit: Barbara Heins.