Mar 27, 2006 5:12 pm US/Central
New Campaign Targets Underage Drinking
by Eileen Gonzales
(CBS 11 News)
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Those Who Host Lose The Most
Underage drinking is one of the top killers of teens, and it is expected to rise in the coming weeks as prom and graduation season get underway.
Regan is a recovering alcoholic. She had her first drink at 14-years-old and became an addict soon after.
"My first experience with drinking at a parents' house was at a New Year's Eve party," she said. "It takes away all your inhibitions, and it makes you free to do all that you want and that's what a lot of teenagers like about alcohol."
Regan is now working with city leaders from all over North Texas, and using her past experience
to educate others as a part of the new endeavor targeting the problems with teen drinking.
"Those Who Host Lose The Most" is a new five week campaign that officially began on Monday to remind parents about the dangers and consequences of teenage drinking.
"To me, adults seem to be unaware," said Regan. "Rape, assault and thefts occur when kids are just getting drunk. There are so many consequences beyond the one we always think about: drinking and driving."
The campaign is targeting parents to remind them that it's illegal to provide alcohol to minors.
"Furnishing alcohol to a minor is a year in jail, $4000 in fines," said Joel Moreno from TABC.
Dallas Police Chief David Kunkle confirmed, "It's a crime. We make arrests. We take this very seriously."
As proms and graduations approach, the issue is being taken even more seriously, since this is the time of year when most underage drinking occurs.
The campaign is reminding parents that letting kids drink at home is not a safe option. It has serious consequences. Minors should not be drinking at all.
(CBS 11 News)
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