CASSOPOLIS — With the holiday season come gatherings and parties.

During Christmas and New Year’s, adult alcohol consumption often increases.

Unfortunately, during the holidays increased alcohol consumption also occurs among teens.

Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz and Cass Alcohol Safety Solutions, a multi-agency task force committed to preventing underage drinking, want to increase public awareness about the dangers associated with teenage drinking.

Many young people use alcohol during the holiday season — some with the consent of their parents.

This is criminal.

Under no circumstances is it acceptable for an adult to provide a person less than 21 years of age with alcohol, or to host a party where minors are consuming alcohol.

It is illegal for persons under 21 years of age to possess or drink alcoholic beverages.

Minors who do so can be charged with a criminal offense and face criminal penalties, including fines, court costs, probation, community service, jail time and suspension of their driver’s license for repeat offenses.

If your child is age 17 or over, the criminal conviction will become a part of your child’s permanent criminal record.

It is just as illegal to provide persons less than 21 years of age with alcohol or with a place to consume alcohol.

Adults who do so can face serious criminal penalties.

When a young person dies after consuming alcohol, the adult who provided it to him or her can face up to 10 years in prison.

If you are not yet convinced that you need to do your share to prevent underage drinking, consider that you can also lose your material possessions, your house and your cars, if you provide alcohol to a minor.  You risk everything you own.

There are significantly more drunk-driving crashes and fatalities during the Christmas and New Year’s season than there are during the rest of the calendar year.

If a minor causes a crash, and you assisted them in obtaining alcohol or permitted them to drink it, you can be sued for the damages or deaths that result.

After all, it was an “accident” you made possible.

Consider the long-term harm that can occur when a teenager consumes alcohol.

Criminal violations are only part of the problem caused by underage drinking.

Sadly, the younger people are when they begin to drink, the greater the chance that they will become alcoholics.

Equally serious is the very real threat to human life from alcohol use.

Teens who drink are more likely to commit violence or be the victim of violence, and to experience stress, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

Binge drinking leads to alcohol poisoning and death.

Drunk driving kills and maims people.

Underage drinking affects thousands of innocent victims each year.

These victims are your friends, your neighbors and your family members.

Finally, do not think that allowing your child to drink at home keeps your child safe.

Teens who are allowed to drink at home are significantly more likely to drink with their friends outside of the home.

“On behalf of Cass Alcohol Safety Solutions, I ask for your support in keeping the young citizens of Cass County safe during the holiday season and throughout the year,” Fitz said. “Talk to your child. Studies show that parents are significant influences when a teenager decides not to drink alcohol. Educate your child about the law and how consuming alcohol can negatively impact their lives. Please talk to your children before it’s too late!”

Be part of the solution. Help to save their lives and the lives of others.

Have a safe and happy Christmas, New Year’s and holiday season.

Cass Alcohol Safety Solutions meets monthly at Woodlands Behavioral Healthcare Network to discuss ways in which underage drinking can be reduced amongst Cass County youth.

For further information, please contact E.J. McAndrew, substance abuse prevention coordinator for Woodlands Behavioral Heathcare Network, 445-2451.