Crime & Safety

Officials Remind Community: Keep Teen Graduation Celebrations Alcohol Free

Police and school leaders remind teens and parents that regardless of supervision, drinking is barred for those under the age of 21.

Graduation is over, but for many teens the celebration has begun and may continue throughout the summer. 

That's why police Chief Jon Froomin and schools Superintendent Jeffrey Felix issued a joint letter this month asking parents and teens to be mindful of the dangers of alcohol use.

One very basic warning: No matter who's supervising, no one can legally drink if they are underage – and in the case of liquor, that does not mean 18.

“As police chief and as school district superintendent,” they wrote, “we would like to stress that there are no safe or legal ways to allow anyone under the age of 21 to consume alcohol.”

They also put the onus on parents or other adults who would offer drinks to minors. 

”California law prohibits giving alcohol to minors and allows jail time for parents who provide alcohol to a minor who was subsequently involved in a car accident,” they continued. “We joined together to bring this message to your attention in an effort to ensure our children celebrate graduation and safely enjoy the summer.”

They also pointed to the city's so-called “Responsible Host Ordinance,” which bars adults from allowing gatherings where underage drinking is taking place. 

Adults who sell or give liquor to minors may face a fine of up to $1000 and as much as six months of jail time.

Police offered the same warning as Froomin and Felix last week when they discussed pending charges against a Coronado man, 18, whose 1st Street party was shut down by officers on Memorial Day weekend

Scores of teens fled the scene after neighbors called police to complain that they had spotted underage drinkers at the home. Two girls were treated for alcohol poisoning in Sharp Coronado Hospital's emergency room after the party broke up.

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