Alcohol has been a part of our culture for centuries. But it should not be part of teen culture. The North Smithfield Prevention Task Force and the North Smithfield Police Department are joining forces to inform the community about the consequences of underage drinking.

While some adults may think that drinking is just a part of growing up, there are serious risks associated with underage drinking. Injuries and fatalities that result from traffic crashes are the ones we hear about most often. Still other risks include: unwanted and unprotected sex, injuries from falls, burns and drowning, reactions from mixing alcohol with medication, interference with teenage brain development, alcohol poisoning and suicide. The safest environment is not to take the keys away, but to keep alcohol out of teens' hands in the first place. You can never guarantee a safe environment when you mix alcohol and underage kids.

In an effort to encourage adult compliance with the minimum drinking age law, recent changes in Rhode Island laws have made it so that adults, 21 years of age or older, can be charged with a misdemeanor violation if 1) they purchase alcohol for an underage person; 2) they purchase alcohol with the intent to give to an underage person; 3) they knowingly furnish to an underage person; 4) they obtain alcohol for an underage person; or 5) they permit consumption of alcohol by underage persons in their home. There are two exemptions: consumption or possession of alcohol by an underage person for religious purposes, and parents and legal guardians providing or permitting the consumption of alcohol by their own minor child.

A first violation is a misdemeanor that is subject to a fine of $350-$1,000 or up to six months imprisonment, or both. For second violation, also a misdemeanor, the fines increase to $750-$1,000. A third or subsequent violations is a felony that is subject to fines of up to $2,500 or up to one-year imprisonment, or both.

The silent majority of adults in Rhode Island are "doing the right thing," having conversations with their teens about the dangers of alcohol use and setting firm rules for their teens not to use alcohol. Those that let teens drink at home are taking unnecessary risks and sending the message that it is okay to break the law. Hopefully more adults will be responsible and keep alcohol out of the hands.

The Task Force and North Smithfield police strongly recommend that any information about underage drinking within town limits, be reported, anonymously, to the police at 762-1212. We all want to make our community a safer place.