Prom season is upon us. In the next couple of weeks both high schools will have the wonderful tradition of senior prom. Unfortunately, a popular custom during prom season is to drink alcohol and drink to excess. We care about our teens, our families, and friends. The West Windsor-Plainsboro Municipal Alliance for the Prevention of Alcoholism & Drug Abuse is encouraging all students to stay safe and sober and asking parents not to serve or allow alcohol at parties or during trips to the shore.
Parents Who Host Lose the Most is a national campaign that is taking place right here in our community. The message to parents and teenagers is to not serve or allow alcohol use before, at, or after prom, as well as during the ever-popular weekend at the shore. This campaign is being spearheaded by the WW-P Municipal Alliance, whose members include parents, police, student assistance counselors, students, community organizations, and residents.
Says West Windsor Township Police Chief Joseph Pica: “As we enter prom season, I think that it is important that everyone knows that after-prom house parties that include alcohol consumption will not be condoned by the police and should not be allowed by the parents.”
Plainsboro Township Police Chief Guy Armour adds: “Parents who allow these parties to be held on their property or supply alcohol to those who are under age are opening themselves up to legal consequences and possibly civil financial liabilities.”
The West Windsor-Plainsboro Municipal Alliance for the Prevention of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse receives funding from the NJ Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (GCADA) with local funds from Plainsboro Township and West Windsor Township.
The alliance is a volunteer organization made up of dedicated parents, police, school personnel, local organizations, and volunteers. For more information, visit www.wwpAlliance.org. All members of the community should know the relevant law:
Fact 1. It is illegal in New Jersey to serve alcohol to anyone who is under the legal drinking age of 21.
Fact 2. It is illegal in NJ to make your home or property available for the purpose of allowing anyone who is under the legal drinking age of 21 a place to consume alcohol.
Fact 3. Any person who serves or makes alcohol available to a person under the legal drinking age of 21 is subject to a $1,000 fine and up to 180 days of jail per person served. Parents can be held civilly liable even if they are not present during the time of the party.
Parent Party Tips
– Create a guest list and let everyone know in advance that the party is “invitation only.”
– Don’t send E-mail invitations. They can be forwarded to many people quickly, and you lose control of who has this information.
– Put your phone number on the invitation and welcome calls from parents.
– Set rules ahead of time such as no alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs. Set a start and end time for the party.
– Make sure you are home and refuse to supply alcohol or allow underage drinking in your home or on your property.
– Let attendees know that if they leave, they cannot come back.
– Make regular and unobtrusive visits to the party area with sensitivity to teens’ needs for privacy and independence.
– Talk to other parents about not providing alcohol when hosting parties.
Fleres is the consultant coordinator for the WW-P Municipal Alliance. For more information, E-mail info@wwpAlliance.org or visit www.wwpAlliance.org.
