PLACENTIA : Police Prepare Teen Party Warning Letter

“Dear Parents: Your son/daughter hosted a party at your home where there was some evidence that alcohol was served. We want you to be aware of possible criminal and civil liabilities should someone at your home cause injury or death to someone as a result of intoxication.”

So begins a letter police will soon be sending to parents of juveniles hosting parties where alcohol is thought to have been served.

The letter, which will be signed by Police Chief Manuel E. Ortega, is one element of a tougher policy to enforce underage drinking laws approved this week by the City Council.

The number of parties involving underage drinking and drug use has been increasing “at a disturbing rate,” Ortega said. “There is (currently) no clear policy by law enforcement to break up such parties and inform parents.”

While police say they have not kept track of the number of complaints specifically involving alcohol parties and minors, they have noticed more underage drinking at parties, both in the city and countywide.

Police spokeswoman Corrine Loomis said parents who allow their children to serve alcohol to underage friends can be charged with furnishing alcohol to a minor, a misdemeanor that could result in a fine, a jail term of not more than a year, or both.

The new policy requires police to confiscate or destroy alcohol found at underage parties and to notify parents of both party-givers and guests.

The council also passed a resolution calling for parents and community help in preventing alcohol-related parties, noting that many adults consider it acceptable to provide alcohol minors.

The resolution reminds local merchants to check the identification from all persons purchasing alcohol.