In 1984, the U.S. Congress raised the minimum legal drinking age to 21 and encourage states to enact the same minimum age limit. Findings show that the new age limit decreased the number of DWI arrests, youth suicide, marijuana use, crime and alcohol consumption by youth.
In the last two decades, the minimum age limit has reached its potential and proven a life-saving concept for young and old alike. Adults now have research based knowledge that alcohol is not good for teens and young adults.
In Nebraska, any person who willfully and unlawfully sells or furnishes alcoholic beverages to a person who is not of legal drinking age (21) can be responsible for injuries or damages caused by the intoxication of the minor.
Parents who break these laws could be forced to pay all medical bills and property damages in the case of a crash, and could also be sued for emotional pain and suffering when there is severe injury or death.
When an underage teen drinks, parents may be legally liable for any damage, injury or death caused by the child. This is especially true if it is the parent who provided the alcohol.
Distributing liquor to minors is a Class I misdemeanor charge punishable by no more than one year in jail or a $1,000 fine or both. (State Statute 53-180: Sale to minors and incompetents). Community service is an additional option to Nebraska judges and issued on a case by case basis.
Persons who reside at the property where a party involving underage drinking occurs can be charged with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, a Class I misdemeanor. There can be a separate count for each person in attendance who has consumed alcohol. The person found to have supplied the alcohol at the party can be charged with Aiding and Abetting Minor in Possession (MIP).
Sponsored by the Panhandle Prevention Coalition
