As a parent, you cannot give alcohol to your child's friends under any circumstances - if they're under the age of 21. In short, your residence is your responsibility, so even if you're serving alcohol to minors in your own home; you're breaking the law.
The consequences? You could face up to one year in jail and/or pay a £1,000 fine. But that's not all. You can be sued if you give alcohol to anyone underage. If they, in turn, hurt themselves or someone else - the consequences could be yours to shoulder.
So, please consider what you can do as a parent.
Refuse to supply alcohol to youth.
Be at home when your teen has a party.
Talk to other parents about not providing alcohol to your teens.
Create alcohol-free activities in your home so teens will feel welcome.
WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY CHILD ABOUT DRINKING
Children see drinking all around them - at home, in restaurants, at family celebrations and on television - and they are naturally curious about alcohol and the way it affects people. You should always answer your child's questions honestly, but you also should be prepared to initiate discussions about alcohol.
Some parents say that because alcohol is a legal drug, it’s hard for them to think of it as being dangerous. Other parents say they find it difficult to talk about alcohol because they drink. Yet, alcohol is the drug Most often used by young people and the consequences of its use can be harmful to your child in many ways.
It's never too early to start talking with your child about
drinking. Some children start asking questions when they're four or five years
old. Many parents make the mistake of waiting until their child has begun
drinking but if you listen and respond to your child sensitively, you may
be able to help prevent problems from developing later.
Helpline Number: 0121-555-8987 (lines open 24 hours a day.)
E-mail address: [email protected].
DEATH WARNING TO YOUNG DRIVERS