As others see it: Underage drinking, adult consequences

Talk about it

Cerro Gordo County Sheriff Kevin Pals has a good message for young people planning a party with alcohol, perhaps to celebrate prom or graduation: Think again.

Pals along with Mason City and Clear Lake police have stepped up their efforts to curb teen drinking, impaired driving and adults providing teens with the alcohol, all in an effort to save lives.

Their mission is part of the region’s “Underage Drinking. Adult Consequences” campaign.

Young people and adults who think it’s OK to provide kids with the alcohol would best pay attention.

Pals said the law enforcement agencies are using special patrol strategies “aimed at underage drinkers and anyone who provides with them alcohol — including parents.”

Cerro Gordo County, he said, is working to make it harder for youngsters to obtain alcohol and apprehending adults who provide alcohol to underage drinkers.

“In addition to other enforcement efforts, we will be conducting increased party patrols to stop the drinking before it begins,” Pals said of the federally funded effort.

This is not just an effort by the local officers, although they get to play what some people might call spoilers.

The Mason City Youth Task Force is involved. So are community leaders, concerned citizens, volunteers and responsible parents who won’t provide alcohol to teens.

They know what the consequences can be: Arrests for drunken driving and being marked for life at the least; accidents, including injuries and potential deaths, at the worst. ...

It’s a simple message: Underage Drinking. Adult Consequences.

Tags: opinion, editorials, iowa