Arlington School Resource Officer Cautions Parents of Underage Drinking Risks on New Year's Eve

ARLINGTON, MA — While New Year's Eve is a time for celebrations, young people are also celebrating the new year. In preparation of the holiday, Arlington School Resource Officer Stephen Porciello penned a letter to Arlington parents cautioning of the dangers of underage drinking, as well as the state's "Social Host Law."

Porciello's letter can be found below.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The changing of the seasons will bring colder temperatures and snowy conditions. This drives our Arlington kids indoors. Also on the horizon are the winter holidays including New Year's Eve. While this is a magical time of the year, it is no secret that, on a night like New Year's Eve, teenagers seek opportunities to drink and use drugs indoors away from the elements and law enforcement.

Parents and guardians might believe that their child is safer drinking alcohol with friends at home rather than in some dark wooded area with no supervision. This thinking is dangerous and leads to many unintended consequences. One example in Massachusetts is the "Social Host Law." The definition of a "Social Host" is anyone (adult or minor) who is in control of the premises and who furnishes alcohol or allows it to be consumed on the premises. If you allow your child's underage friends to consume alcohol in your home or on your property, you are breaking the law. The penalty is up to one year in jail and/or a fine up to $2,000. The Social Host Law applies to any hotel room or other facility that you control. I mention this because sometimes parents rent a space for their underage child to have social gatherings with alcohol present. It is also likely that you will be sued if an underage guest consumes alcohol at your home and is injured or hurts someone else. The lawyer fees and damages that you pay to the injured person can be enormous.

The media tends to pay attention to stories involving the Social Host Law and parents or guardians who are charged. I never like to see a family have to go through this ordeal. As parents and guardians, we influence our children's lives and decisions more than we can imagine. I know it is not easy, but I recommend that you set specific ground rules in advance with your children regarding alcohol consumption and drug use. Be clear about the consequences and follow through with action. Develop a family contract. Try not to assume that other parents have the same rules as you. Talk to other parents in advance about what is going to happen at the event or gathering. Equally important, plan with your child about how to handle risky or uncomfortable situations.

I do not mean to preach. I write because as an Arlington Police Officer and citizen, I have witnessed the pain and disappointment that often accompanies alcohol and drug use. Like you, I care.

If you would like further information or simply want to talk, please do not hesitate to call. My email is sporciellojr@town.arlington.ma.us and my office phone number is 781-316-3619.

Respectfully,

Inspector Stephen Porciello
Arlington School Resource Officer

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