Hosts Of Post-Prom Party Fined

Adults Seized Car Keys, But Allowed Minors To Have Alcohol

This true story dovetails with the previous blog post regarding the problems parents face trying to address the after-prom celebrating and the inevitable parties that follow...

The parents in this case wanted to keep the teens from drinking and driving after the prom. They offered their home and even took the car keys from all kids who attended. Safety was the reason behind this private after-prom party. (see full story)

Under their state's law, it is illegal for a property owner to permit anyone under 21 to possess alcohol on the property or for the owner to fail to make reasonable efforts to stop a minor from possessing alcohol on the property, including private homes. This law makes a first offense an infraction and subsequent offenses subject to as much as one year in prison, a fine of up to $500, or both.

They had good intentions, but unknowingly were breaking a law that cost them hundreds of dollars in fines and one tough lesson. Knowing that kids will be kids and there is a "tradition" of after-prom drinking and partying, this seemed like a good way to address the problem. Unfortunately, the police didn't agree with their solution.

Sometimes even our best intentions are not the best solution to a problem. Helping parents and schools address this was the reason I wrote my book, the After Prom Party Guide. It is a blueprint for planning, staging and managing an after-prom party or after-graduation party.