DA Blodgett, Local Schools, Police Promote Safe Prom and Graduation

With prom and graduation season upon us, Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett has reached out to local police and school departments to remind parents and students about the laws concerning hosting parties and underage drinking. 

“The bottom line is that we want everyone to enjoy their prom and graduation celebrations safely,” District Attorney Blodgett said.  “This is an important and exciting milestone in the life of a young person and for their parents.  Unfortunately, there are occasions when alcohol becomes part of the celebration.  We just want to remind parents and students about the law, so that everyone can make an informed decision.”

The District Attorney’s Juvenile Justice Unit prepared letters and brochures for police and school departments to mail to parents of high school seniors to remind them about social host and underage drinking laws. D.A. Blodgett has worked with police, schools, healthy community collaboratives and other community agencies for the last 10 years to raise awareness of the dangers of underage drinking as well as the legal consequences for hosts if they allow minors to consume alcohol on their property.  In addition to sending out this inormation, Blodgett has given dozens of presentations with civil trial attorney Richard Campbell on the so-called social host law, for schools and community organizations throughout Essex County.

“I will continue to raise awareness around the dangers of underage drinking as long as I am District Attorney because the tragedy associated with it is entirely preventable,” Blodgett said.  “We know that when young people drink, bad things such as sexual assault, alcohol poisoning, accidental falls, or motor vehicle crashes can and will happen.”

To date, 16 schools districts have requested copies of the letter to mail to parents:  Amesbury, Beverly, Georgetown, Gloucester, Hamilton/Wenham, Haverhill, Ipswich, Lynnfield, Manchester/Essex, Newburyport, Peabody, Pentucket (W. Newbury, Groveland, Merrimac), Rockport, Saugus, Swampscott, and Whittier Tech.

Massachusetts General Law Chapter 138, Section 34 states that, “whoever furnishes alcohol for a person under 21 years of age shall be punished by a fine of not more than $2,000 or by imprisonment for not more than one year or both.  For the purpose of this section the word “furnish” shall mean to knowingly or intentionally supply, give, or provide to or allow a person 21 years of age to possess alcoholic beverages on premises or property owned or controlled by the person charged.”

For more information, visit www.mass.gov/essexda.