Dupage Policy Journal

Naperville Police Department issued the following announcement on May 2.

The onset of spring brings with it warmer temperatures and many reasons to celebrate. As the prom and graduation seasons approach, the Naperville Police Department would like to remind students and parents of the following state and local laws that are enforced to ensure the safety of everyone in our community.

Obtaining Alcohol by Minor/Consumption: It is unlawful for any person under the age of twenty-one (21) to purchase, sell, give or receive as a gift, or consume any alcoholic beverage.

Zero Tolerance: It is unlawful for any person under the age of 21 to drive a vehicle after consuming any amount of an alcoholic beverage. Consequences include suspension of driving privileges.

False Identification: No person shall transfer, alter or deface an identification card, use the identification card of another, carry or use a false or forged identification card, or obtain an identification card by means of providing false information.

Possession of Alcohol by Minors: It is unlawful for any person under the age of 21 to possess any alcoholic beverage.

Hotel and Motel Rooms: No parent or other person shall rent, or otherwise permit the use of any hotel or motel sleeping rooms or suites, when such person knows, or in the exercise of ordinary care should know of a substantial probability that such space will be used by underage persons for the consumption or possession, either actual or constructive, of alcoholic liquor.

Presence Restriction: It is unlawful for any person under 19 years of age to be present or remain in a location when they know that other persons under the age of 19 are unlawfully consuming alcoholic liquor.

Parental Responsibility:

• No parent or other person shall intentionally, knowingly, recklessly or negligently give or deliver alcoholic liquor to, or permit possession of alcoholic liquor by, his or her child, or any other person under the age of 21.
• No parent or other person shall intentionally, knowingly, recklessly or negligently give, deliver, invite or permit the consumption of alcoholic liquor by any person of non-age on or about any premises owned, leased, or controlled by such parent or person.

Naperville ordinances may be viewed at https://www.naperville.il.us/municipalcode. State laws are available at http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs.asp.

While we know that most of our teens are making responsible and healthy choices, it is important to remember that teens can be influenced by their peers and society to use alcohol and other drugs. These poor choices can have lasting effects and long-term consequences. For these reasons, we are providing the following suggestions from Power of Choice to help parents establish guidelines for their teenagers regarding attendance at parties.

1. Know where your teen will be. Obtain an address and phone number of the party host, and have your teen call you if the party location changes.
2. Contact the parents of the teen hosting the party to verify the location, confirm that a parent will be present and to offer assistance.
3. Communicate. Talk to your teen about situations they may encounter and how to handle them. Encourage your teen to call you if he/she needs a ride home.
4. Establish an acceptable curfew and wait up until your teen arrives home to ensure he/she gets there safely and on time.
5. Verify overnight arrangements, whether they are planned or spontaneous.

For more suggested guidelines, resources and information, visit the Power of Choice website at www.thepowerofchoice.info/parent-campaign.

Original source can be found here.