As a parent, I know how important graduation is for your children and for you. It’s a time to reflect on the past but look forward to the future. It is also a time to celebrate your child’s achievements.

As we approach graduation, I ask all parents to celebrate their child’s accomplishments, but do so safely and lawfully.

Often parties are held at a home or at a rented facility. While many parties are quiet family affairs, in some situations parents may allow alcohol to be consumed, or they may not know underage-party goers are drinking. Keep an eye out for public intoxication and please do not allow anyone who has been drinking to drive.

Whether it is alcohol poisoning or a fatal crash, the repercussions of your actions could be huge, including but not limited to:

·         Anyone convicted of attempting to purchase alcohol as a minor, sharing in the cost, using false identification or furnishing alcohol to a minor may face a maximum sentence of six months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.

·         Anyone under 21 years of age who is caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration of higher than .02 percent can be arrested. If convicted the individual could have his or her driver license suspended for at least 90 days, up to a maximum of two years. Also, four points would be added to his/her driving record.

I encourage parents who are looking to throw their child a graduation party, to familiarize themselves with Ohio’s laws. Know the rules, know how they can impact your family and ask yourself… is it worth it?