Have a Safe and Happy Prom

Virginia ABC wishes students a safe and happy prom, and cautions them about the dangers and legal consequences of underage drinking.

"Prom and graduation season is a time for celebration, but please be safe and make smart choices," said Sandra Canada, Virginia ABC commissioner. "Remember: it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to possess or consume alcohol, and NEVER drink alcohol and drive, or accept a ride with someone who has been drinking."

Statistics show nearly one-third of alcohol-related teen traffic deaths occur during April, May and June, a time when parties and celebrations can turn dangerous and sometimes tragic for underage drinkers. With these sobering statistics in mind, ABC encourages parents to talk with their teens about the dangers of underage drinking, and set ground rules before their son or daughter leaves the house for these events.

Prom Safety Tips

• Set non-negotiable rules about drinking, drugs and driving under the influence of alcohol.
  • FACT: Under Virginia legislation, persons 18 to 20 convicted of underage purchase, possession, or consumption of alcohol will lose their driver's license for six months to a year. Consequences also include a Class 1 misdemeanor on file for life.
  • Teens under 18 may also lose their driver's license for six months to a year, or have driving privileges delayed for six months following the date he/she reaches the age of 16 and three months.
• Ask your teen for a complete itinerary for the evening, including where they'll be going before, during and after prom.
• Ask for cell phone numbers so you can reach them, and/or establish call-in times to connect with your kids.
• Be aware of alcoholic energy drinks, which contain 6-12 percent alcohol, nearly three times more alcohol than most beers.
• If your child is going to an after-prom party at a friend's house, it is your responsibility to find out if the parents are going to allow underage drinking at their home.
• Offer your child the unconditional option of calling you for help, advice or to pick them up at anytime, day or night. Make it clear you want to be part of their smart and safe decisions.

Hosting an After-Prom Party?

Responsible hosting is the key to a safe and successful after-prom party. If your guest list includes persons under the age of 21, be aware that serving to an underage person is considered one of the most serious ABC violations and is against the law.

• Although parents have the right to provide alcohol to their own children in their own home, it is illegal to purchase, aid and abet or give alcohol to other minors. Do not allow anyone younger than 21 years of age to consume alcoholic beverages at your party, and do not allow persons of legal age to provide alcoholic beverages to anyone underage. Violating any of these laws can result in the conviction of a Class 1 misdemeanor, which carries a fine of up to $2,500 and/or up to one year in jail.
• As the host of a party or event, you may be held responsible for the actions of your guests. The party host could face civil liability if either a partygoer is hurt or a third person is injured due to alcohol impairment.
• Remember, one does not have to be heavily intoxicated to be impaired. Driving skills and abilities can be impaired with the first drink.
• Virginia's Zero Tolerance Law makes driving after having consumed almost any amount of alcohol a serious criminal offense for drivers under the age of 21.

We encourage you to share this information with family and friends. Together we hope to raise awareness about the risks, dangers and consequences of underage drinking.