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Police chief makes case against teen drinking
(by Sali McSherry - April 09, 2009)
Police chief makes case against teen drinking
By SALI McSHERRY
As a safety officer, Gates Mills Police Chief Steven Szeredy said, he knows only too well the problems associated with underage consumption of alcohol. "Tragic car crashes, unnecessary fights, violence and bitter words all occur as a result of alcohol and underage consumption," he said.
This spring, Mr. Szeredy joined the Mayfield Village, Highland Heights and Mayfield Heights police departments and the Mayfield School District to bring to the area the public information campaign "Parents Who Host, Lose the Most: Don't Be a Party to Teenage Drinking."
The community was one of 32 entities statewide awarded a grant in February from the Drug Free Action Alliance, based in Columbus. The Mayfield School District, which includes Gates Mills, is the only Cuyahoga County school district to receive a grant this time around. Kris Fleck, Mayfield High School student assistance coordinator, applied for the grant, Mr. Szeredy said.
"Taking away the car keys or keeping the drinking in your house does nothing to negate the potential health risks suffered by teens. Parents need to know that Ohio is a social host state, which means that you can be prosecuted, your property can be confiscated, and you could be fined or sent to jail if you allow a teen to drink in your home," he said.
Parents can face a maximum sentence of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
In his letter to parents, Mr. Szeredy said they need to refuse to supply alcohol to anyone under the age of 21.
"Stay home when your teenager has a party and make certain no one brings alcohol into your home for the other party goers to drink," he said. "Check out the plans your teen makes every weekend. Call the other parents and find out their philosophy about teenage drinking. And don't forget to talk with your teens about your expectations for their behavior. It's illegal, it's unhealthy, it's unsafe, and it's unacceptable to serve alcohol to teenagers," he said.
Funding for the program is made possible through the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.
Drug Free Action Alliance is a statewide nonprofit agency dedicated to providing leadership and fostering networks in order to promote safe and drug-free communities throughout Ohio.
The program has received several awards, including the National Exemplary Promising Practice Award from the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention and the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services.
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