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Curbing House Parties - The Party's Over Campaign

By Eddie Farah

Just on the verge of spring break, 'The Party's Over' campaign has been launched in St. Johns County, south of Jacksonville, by Sheriff David Shoar.

Underage drinking has gotten out of hand in the county, he says, pointing to the death of two teens in Orangedale in January, blamed on a house party where alcohol was served to minors.

It's always been illegal to serve alcohol to anyone underage - so this message is as much for adults as kids. There will be Zero Tolerance toward serving alcohol to minors. Period.

For some reason there is more underage drinking in St. Johns County, perhaps because it encompasses some of the wealthier and beach areas, and adults think they can supervise their kids drinking at home.

A minor is anyone under the age of 21, whether or not they drive, it is illegal and can result in jail time. Then there is the liability issue if anyone is harmed or killed. Is it really worth losing your house over being the "cool" parent? Adults should just know better.

The goal is not to arrest underage kids for alcohol possession, but to counsel them about the dangers of alcohol and addiction.

"The students know where the party is every weekend, and they know which parents allow it to happen. I will tell you, although some parents think they can control the environment, you absolutely cannot control the environment of a house party," said school Superintendent Dr. Joseph Joyner.

For teens who want to stop underage drinking and remain anonymous, a tip line and text messaging will be available. The Party campaign will be posted on county billboards.

The anonymous teen tipline is (888) 277-8477 or 'tip231' to send a message to 274637.

Fields where kids gather will be patrolled as well as liquor stores in the county to make sure they do not sell alcohol to teens.

'We're not giving up on our kids. It just can't happen. We have to do everything that we can to send the right message,' says Shoar.

Of course this is redundant and there are already laws on the books, but kids pay attention when they know adults are too.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Eddie Farah

Full post as published by Jacksonville Personal Injury Lawyer on March 16, 2009 (boomark / email).