Teens may find various ways to obtain alcohol, even though it is illegal for them to purchase it. Here are some common methods:
1. Through Friends or Relatives of Legal Age
- How it works: Sometimes, a legal adult (friend, relative, or acquaintance) buys alcohol for underage teens. While it’s illegal, this remains one of the most common ways teens get alcohol.
- Risk: The person who provides alcohol to minors faces serious legal consequences.
2. Asking Older Customers to Buy Alcohol
- How it works: Teens may wait outside liquor stores or establishments that sell alcohol and ask older customers to make the purchase for them.
- Risk: The adult who buys alcohol for a minor can face significant penalties.
3. Stealing Alcohol
- How it works: Teens sometimes steal alcohol from home, relatives, or friends. They may take alcohol from places where it’s left unattended, such as a garage or basement.
- Risk: Stealing alcohol is illegal, and teens risk getting caught and facing legal consequences, in addition to damaging relationships with those they steal from.
4. Using Fake ID or Purchasing Alcohol Personally
- How it works: Older teens may purchase alcohol themselves, often using fake IDs or by going to places that don’t properly check identification.
- Risk: Buying alcohol with a fake ID is illegal and can lead to legal trouble for both the teen and the vendor.
5. Parents Providing Alcohol
- How it works: Some parents allow their teens to drink alcohol at home, thinking it’s safer than letting them drink elsewhere. This may happen during special events or celebrations.
- Risk: While this may seem harmless, providing alcohol to minors can have legal consequences for parents, and it can promote unhealthy drinking habits.
Conclusion
Teens have several ways of obtaining alcohol, but each method carries legal risks for both the minor and those involved in providing the alcohol. Monitoring alcohol access at home and reinforcing responsible behaviors are key to preventing underage drinking.
