At least one national survey shows Montana is one of the states where the most underage drinking occurs. Information in the area, meanwhile, states that summer months are the most active time for such illegal behavior.
The National Survey on Drug Use in 2005-2006 ranked Montana first for the highest estimated past month alcohol use rate for youths aged 12-17.
In Richland County, the great majority of underage drinking incidents occur as the weather improves. In 2008, there were seven minors in possession (MIPs) cases compared to 26 MIPs in April through June, according to information from the Sidney City Court and Richland County Justice Court. In 2009, there were five MIPs in January through March compared to 20 in April through June.
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One way Larson hopes to decrease underage drinking activity in the area is to increase the deterrent that the young people could be penalized by law enforcement. According to the office’s prevention needs assessment in 2008, 72 percent of youth feel they will not be caught by police if they are drinking in their own neighborhood.
The report also says 65.3 percent of Richland County high school seniors get alcohol from someone they know age 21 or older. Eight out of 10 say it’s easy for them to get alcohol.
“Youth have very easy access to alcohol,” Larson said.
Community groups involving parents and law enforcement need to work together so underage alcohol use decreases. “They need to start to realize that they can get caught,” Larson said.
One element the Community Change Project performs with the hope of decreasing underage alcohol use is seller training. The Richland County Tavern Association is very active in the program.
Larson notes people must be aware. For example, if a convenience store clerk notes an individual is purchasing a high amount of beer more than once on a particular night, the clerk could call the police about the suspicious behavior or at least not sell to the person.
“They have the right to refuse service to anyone,” Larson said.
Adults who supply alcohol to minors can currently face civil liability charges as well as criminal penalties.
Other legislation could increase the penalties faced by adults that supply alcohol to minors. Several cities in Montana, including Billings, have adopted a social-host ordinance that allows for a criminal offense to an adult hosting three or more minors at a house party with alcohol. Fine is up to $500, six months in jail or both.
A survey is also currently under way asking underage drinkers the place of their last drink. Results of the statewide study are expected to be released in six months.
Larson said primary goals of the Montana Community Change Project include increasing deterrents for underage drinking and decreasing social availability.
editor@sidneyherald.com
Comments
annoyed wrote on Jul 20, 2009 11:59 PM:
before you get too judgemental Melissa Larson is not from Sidney or this state. So what ever Larson's you are refering to she is not related. "
E wrote on Jul 20, 2009 10:47 AM:
Randy wrote on Jul 16, 2009 12:23 AM:
Well, there goes the family reunion!
Now, what a person/family does on their own property should be their own business.....Up until an underage person leaves the property under the influence. "
hmm wrote on Jul 13, 2009 12:56 AM:
maybe our sheriff's shoudl do a better job and patrol the back roads better because I guarantee getting slapped with a DUI would be more of a reality check then geting some minor that most young kids dont take serious at all. "