Ohio issues warning to underage drinkers, party hosts

The state is reminding parents and graduates to be mindful of Ohio’s alcohol law during high-school graduation season.

“In high schools all across Ohio, graduates and their families are celebrating the ending of one chapter and the beginning of another. Those celebrations often include alcohol,” a May 17 news release from the Ohio Highway Patrol’s Ohio Investigative Unit reads. “In an effort to make this a safe graduation season, agents with the Ohio Investigative Unit remind parents and graduates to make the decision not to participate in illegal and dangerous behavior, such as providing alcohol to minors consuming underage.”

One area educator said that, although he doesn’t see so much underage alcohol consumption these days throughout his school district happening, it’s always a good idea for parents to make their children aware of the risks and consequences of underage drinking.

“This includes talking to your kids, knowing your kids,” said Fairport Harbor School District Superintendent Domenic Paolo. “ Parents nee to communicate with one another, also.”

In its news release, the OIU reminds parents and those under the age of 21 about a few state laws regarding underage alcohol consumption:

• It is illegal to provide a place for your child and his/her friends to drink in a “safe” environment. In fact, parents may not provide alcohol to children who are under 21, who are not their own, even in their own home with the other parents’ permission. Those convicted of providing alcohol to a person under 21 years of age face maximum sentences of six months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.

•It is illegal to purchase alcohol for anyone under 21. Anyone who purchases, sells or gives alcoholic beverages to underage individuals faces a $1,000 fine and/or up to six months in jail.

•If you are under 21 and are caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .02 percent or higher, a level that can be reached after just one or two drinks, you can be arrested. Punishment is suspension of your driver license for at least 90 days up to a maximum of two years, plus four points added to your driving record. Having an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle is also illegal.

“Also, carry outs and drive-through establishments should be on alert for underage individuals attempting to purchase alcohol,” the release reads. “Agents also recommend limo companies review policies with their drivers and ensure they know they may also be charged with permitting underage consumption.”

One area beverage store owner said although he hasn’t seen so many underage individuals attempt to purchase alcohol in recent years, he still makes a point to educate his employees about selling to underage buyers, especially because it’s on them if they do and get caught nowadays.

“You know, now that it’s on them, at least for a first offense, our employees are pretty vigilant about it,” said John Krizman, owner of the Little Eagle Drive-Thru and Convenience Store in Chardon Township, a business which he’s owned and operated over the last 15 years.

Krizman added, too, that he doesn’t see as many underagers attempt to purchase alcohol these days.

“It just doesn’t seem like it’s a big of an issue as it used to be and I largely credit the parents with that,” he said. “I think parents today are more engaged with their kids, more involved. And I think kids are more active - in sports and other after-school activities. Plus, It’s pretty clear nowadays that, once you get caught, that can set you up for a long time to come. You can ruin your life with just that first incident and you’ll have trouble, whether it’s trying to get a job, getting into college or whatever it is you’re trying to do with your life. I think a lot of young people these days just realize it’s not worth it.”

The Ohio Investigative Unit’s release concurs, offering information to the public about how to report suspected underage-drinking or alcohol-purchasing activity.

“If you have information about a bar; store or carryout selling beer and/or liquor to persons under the age of 21; or you have information of an underage house party, please notify the Ohio Investigative Unit by calling the #677 on your cell phone and your complaint will be investigated,” its release reads.

For his part, Krizman said he makes sure his employees, who are all “pretty sharp,” understand the consequences of selling alcohol to underage individuals, not only this time of year. He said he instills the importance of that responsibility in his employees when he hires them and throughout their employment at his establishment.

“When they start working here, we have a video they each watch that goes over how to prevent selling to underage people,” he said. “And, I think, now, that it’s on them if they do, as far as penalties and fines, the first offense, that kind of helps it hit home, too.”

Krizman added that, in a store like his, he and his employees generally get to know the clientele and if something or somebody doesn’t seem right, there’s a good chance it will be recognized and any potential offenders will be asked to leave.

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