Serving Alcohol to Teens: It’s Against the Law in Virgina | DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog

George Robinson and Elisa Kelly are in jail in Virginia  for providing alcohol to their 16-year-old son and his friends, as part of a 16th birthday party celebration.  The story, widely covered in the national media, prefaces a season of graduation and prom parties, and serves as a warning to adults who may consider purchasing alcohol on behalf of minors.

The teen celebration, with 30 underage attendees,  was held five years ago and supervised by the couple, who collected the keys of all party-goers before serving alcohol.  The party was later interrupted by police, who determined that nine minors had been drinking, though none had consumed enough to reach the legal blood alcohol limit for adults.  The parents’ original sentence of eight years was reduced to 27 months, and the U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear their appeal.

The Century Council and the American School Counselor’s Association offer the following prom tips for parents, to safeguard the health of your teens this summer:

• “Make sure your child has a plan for the evening and that you know it.
• Work with the school to have food served during the prom.
• Know all of the ‘hot spot’ destinations.
• Take stock of the alcohol in your home.
• Know who is driving — if it’s a limo, check their policy on allowing alcohol in the vehicle.
• Discuss the school’s prom rules with your child and the consequences for violating them.
• Encourage seatbelt use — the best accessory!
• Do not rent hotel rooms for prom-goers.
• Communicate with other parents and school officials.
• Stay up for prom-goer’s return home.”

Previously reported on DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog :

• Virginia’s Social Host Liability Law,
• parental liability for underage drinking.

For information about your legal rights, please click here or call the law firm of Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC at (202) 463-3030.