MS: Video: Law Enforcement Reminding Parents And Adults To Not Allow Minors To Have Alcohol On Private Property

WCBI

By Allie Martin

April 7, 2016

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – On a recent afternoon, Tupelo Police officers were handing out alcohol awareness flyers to seniors, ahead of prom night.

In Mississippi, the law is clear, if you are under 21, you cannot possess or consume alcoholic beverages.

That also applies to parties on private property.

“Absolutely, you can’t contribute to the delinquency of a minor in any form or fashion,” said School Resource Officer Zach Anderson.

Under the “social hosting law” it is illegal for an adult to allow minors to drink alcohol on their property, even if they don’t supply the beverages.

Last year, the Lee County Sheriff’s Department arrested a Mooreville woman who allowed her son to throw a party at her home.

“It doesn’t matter who you are, how responsible you are, when you have that many kids there you are not going to be able to stay in control of them, and this last incident we had, it was supposed to be a small party, nonchalant, few people coming for this birthday party and because of social media, it got out, there were over 200 kids there and it got out of hand.”

A violation of the social hosting law is a misdemeanor that carries a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 90 days in jail. However, an amended social hosting law would increase the potential jail time to six months. That bill is now sitting on the governor’s desk , awaiting his signature.

Sheriff Johnson says it’s all about parents and adults being responsible.

“Alcohol is the key, if you want to have a party or invite kids over, there’s not anything wrong with it, just don’t involve alcohol, for kids under 21, you just can’t do it,” Sheriff Johnson said.

The homeowner arrested last year plead guilty to two counts of violating the social hosting law. She was fined $500 and avoided jail time.