Underage Drinking Laws

What Parents Should Know:

• Ohio and Kentucky parents cannot give alcohol to their teen's friends under age 21 - even in their own home, even with permission of the friends' parents.
• In Ohio and Kentucky, adults cannot knowingly allow a person under age 21, other than their own child, to remain in their home or on their property while consuming or possessing alcohol.
• In Indiana, the above statements are true for their teen's friends, as well as their own teen.

If You Break the Law:

• Ohio parents face up to a $1,000 fine and/or six months in jail.
• Kentucky parents face up to a $500 fine and/or one year in jail.
• Indiana parents face up to a $5,000 fine and/or one year in jail.

Things You Can Do:

• Refuse to supply alcohol to anyone under 21.
• Be at home when your teen has a party.
• Make sure alcohol is not brought into your home or onto your property by your teen's friends.
• Talk to other parents about not providing alcohol at events your child will be attending.
• Create alcohol-free opportunities and activities in your home so teens will feel welcome
• Report underage drinking to local law enforcement.

Campaign Resources

a program of the Drug-Free Action Alliance