MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Freeholders have announced their strong support for a Drug-Free Action Alliance program aimed at curbing underage drinking, especially focusing on adults who may look the other way when it comes to alcohol use by older teens – sometimes to tragic effect.
The county governing board recently issued a proclamation in support of the “Parents Who Host Lose the Most’’ campaign, aimed at discouraging the use of alcohol by those below the legal age of consumption, 21, and to urge all county residents to refuse to provide alcohol to underage youth.
“Adults who provide alcohol to those below the legal drinking age of 21 are placing those youths at risk for health, safety and legal problems,’’ said a proclamation issued by the freeholders to the Municipal Alliances of Morris County. “Alcohol use by young people is dangerous, not only because of the risks associated with acute impairment, but also because of the threat to their long-term development and well-being.’’
“Adults have the authority and responsibility to our youth to deal with this issue responsibly,’’ said Freeholder Director Kathy DiFillippo.
The “Parents Who Host, Lose The Most: Don’t be a party to teenage drinking” public awareness campaign was developed by Drug Free Action Alliance in 2000 to educate parents about the health and safety risks of serving alcohol at teen parties and to increase awareness of and compliance with underage drinking laws.
Since the program began, it has been requested for replication in all 50 states, Canada, Japan, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. While laws vary from state to state, the campaign’s message is a universal one: It is illegal, unsafe and unhealthy for anyone under 21 to drink alcohol.
