Ohio Officials Urge Vigilance on Underage Drinking and Teen Safety During Summer Months
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(Columbus) – With summer underway and school out, the Ohio Department of Public Safety and the Ohio Department of Commerce are reminding permit holders and parents about underage drinking laws.
The season can be risky for teens, who have more free time and greater independence from parental supervision. Studies indicate teens are more likely to experiment with alcohol. On an average summer day, about 11,000 teens take their first drink of alcohol, compared with 8,000 during the academic year, according to one study.
“Selling or furnishing alcohol to underage individuals, whether by a licensed business or in a private residence, isn’t just a crime — it’s a reckless act that endangers lives. This includes ‘hosting’ parties where underage drinking is permitted,” said Executive Director Jamie Patton, of the Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU), a Division of the Department of Public Safety. “Adults and minors alike must understand the severe consequences of underage alcohol consumption and the specific Ohio laws designed to prevent it. When an underage individual commits a crime or is involved in a serious vehicle crash after being illegally supplied with alcohol, those who provided it are equally responsible and will be held accountable.”
Alcohol can also play a role in teen driver safety during the “100 Deadliest Days,” the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day that is known for a spike in teen traffic fatalities. In 2024, of the 35,247 crashes involving teens ages 15 to 19, 568 were alcohol-related, resulting in 30 fatalities, according to the Ohio Department of Public Safety. Of those 568 crashes, 152 — more than a quarter of all alcohol- and teen-related crashes — occurred during the 100 Deadliest Days, with seven fatalities.
OIU is the only law enforcement agency in Ohio with the authority to cite liquor permit premises for criminal violations of the Liquor Control Act. These violations include underage sales, possession and consumption, over-serving and illegal alcohol sales. OIU agents conduct compliance checks to prevent underage sales and investigate locations operating without a liquor permit.
Parents and permit holders should note that OIU conducts trace-back investigations when anyone, including those underage, is involved in a fatal or serious injury vehicle crash and is suspected of consuming alcohol or drugs at a permit premises or private party. Depending on the results of the investigation, agents may file criminal charges against implicated individuals and liquor permitholders.
Ohio law strictly prohibits anyone under 21 from purchasing, possessing or consuming alcohol. Violators face fines, possible juvenile detention and a suspension of their driving privileges. Penalties increase for repeat offenses. Those who provide alcohol to minors may face fines of up to $1,000, six months in jail or both.
It is illegal for parents to provide a place for their child and his/her friends to drink. In fact, parents may not provide alcohol to children who are under 21, who are not their own, even in their own home with the other parents’ permission.
There is also civil liability for hosting an underage drinking party. Under civil law, adults may be held liable for any damage caused by a teen who becomes intoxicated at a party they host if theyknow alcohol is being served or if they provide alcohol. If an individual dies because of an intoxicated minor, the hosts could face a wrongful death lawsuit.
In 2024, there were more than 850 arrests for those who were drinking underage. Of the 675 arrests with unsealed details, nearly 50% occurred during the summer, according to Ohio Investigative Unit’s data.
The Division of Liquor Control, part of the Department of Commerce, does not enforce the state’s criminal liquor laws but licenses and inspects nearly 28,000 businesses that manufacture, distribute, or sell alcohol, as well as thousands of nonprofit-operated events that sell alcohol. The division also ensures the safe and fair distribution of high-proof liquor throughout the state.
“When it comes to alcohol, we know most Ohioans are making responsible and thoughtful decisions, especially when it comes to their children,” Division Superintendent Jackie DeGenovasaid. “Ohioans who witness violations of state liquor laws should report them to local law enforcement or the Ohio Investigative Unit.”
If you have information about a bar, store or carryout selling alcohol or tobacco products to personsunder the age of 21, or if you have information about an underage house party, please report the violation at oiu.ohio.gov.
