The Brown County Sheriff’s Department is tackling the issue of underage drinking after a recent incident involving numerous teens in the county.
“Almost three or four weeks ago we had a party in our county that had more than 100 kids there,” Sheriff John Merchant said. “That was a big concern that prompted this.”
He said that more than 100 young people as well as a large supply of alcohol was found at the party.
In a news release earlier this week the Sheriff’s Department talked about the issue in Brown County and some of the concerns voiced by parents and teenager.
“We have an obligation to the public any time that we have knowledge that the underage kids are having parties containing alcohol to intervene to keep everyone safe,” Merchant said.
The department is currently still investigating the case but is also trying to address future incidents from taking place.
“Back in the day, the legal drinking age for cereal malt beverage 3.2% was 18 and parties like these were tolerated to some extend for whatever reason,” Merchant said in the release. “During the course of time, it was noted that teenage drivers under the influence of alcohol were contributing to an alarming number of traffic related injuries and death.”
Merchant added that the National Minimum Drinking Age Act was enacted in 1983 after an alarming number of alcohol-related statistics to require a minimum legal drinking age of 21.
“There are some old mindsets out there that kids are going to be kids,” Merchant said. “I understand that teens have to explore and make mistakes and from our standpoint, we don’t want one mistake to be their last. We just cannot turn a blind-eye to this or ignore this problem because it will not go away.”
Merchant said the both parents and teenagers have voiced concerns about the issue of under age parties and the safety of those attending.
“They are doing the right thing by letting us know of the situation before it’s too late. I would much rather have a few people become upset with us for doing our job than ignore the situation and have a serious safety issue on our hands,” Merchant said.
He adds in Brown County there is zero tolerance for underage drinking.
“When we receive complaints/concerns about minors having a party where alcohol is available to them, we have no choice but to investigate,” Merchant said. “A poor choice can lead to many criminal charges such as Minor in Possession of Alcohol, Driving Under the Influence, Child Endangerment, Unlawfully Hosting Minors, Furnishing Alcohol to Minors, etc. This is in no way meant to “pick on” or “harass” teenagers, but an attempt to bring to light the serious lifetime consequences a “little fun” can bring on. ”
Merchant said the Department takes part in public service messages to discourage underage drinking and is active in the schools.
“I feel that all law enforcement officers have an obligation to parents and their children to do everything possible to make sure their kids get the chance to grow in to adulthood and show the world what they have to offer,” Merchant said. “I encourage any parent or teenager to come visit with me or give me a call and I will be glad to provide information or any assistance we can offer on this or any other area of concern.”