Prom season is upon us now, and the issue of student drinking before, during and after prom once again arises.
Make no mistake about it, persons who are under age 21 should not consume alcohol – it is the law. Consumption of alcohol by a minor is a crime in Illinois – a Class A misdemeanor. If convicted of this crime, the effects on the minor’s life are numerous. Not only will the minor have a conviction on his or her criminal record, but the school could take action and further punish the student in various ways, including expulsion from school. Then, there are the possible effect this would have on college – on getting admitted to the college of your choice or even, after a student has been admitted, being denied admission as a freshman based upon a conviction. Additionally, if a minor is driving a vehicle with ANY AMOUNT of alcohol in his/her system, the minor can lose their driver’s license, and have to pay a fine and costs if convicted of a simple moving violation. The goal is safety. Our children need to be safe and one way to keep them safe is for them not to consume alcohol.
Also, adults who knowingly permit a minor to consume alcohol on their property can be charged with a crime and convicted if found guilty. The adults can also be sued for damaged caused by a minor who causes damage in any way that is a result, in part or in whole, of the minor’s consumption of alcohol.
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Again, the safety of our children is the most important concern here. Prom is a wonderful time for the children and can, most certainly, be enjoyed to the fullest without having to drink. The consequences of even one drink can, as you can see above, can be devastating to the minor’s future. Enjoy prom. Be safe.
