What Parents should know:
- It is illegal to provide alcohol to anyone under age 21 under any circumstance, including your own child. Section 25658 (a) B&P Code
- Parents can face serious legal consequences by simply permitting their child or child’s friend to consume alcohol in their home if either later drives and
causes an accident. 25658.2 (a) B&P Code
If you break the law: (Legal consequences)
- For providing alcohol to a minor, an adult faces a fine of $1,000 and community service, even on the first offense. Section 25658 (e) (2) B&P Code
- If death or injury results from providing alcohol or permitting consumption, parents face a $1,000 fine along with up to a year in jail. Sections 25658(e) (3) and 25658.2 (b) B&P Code
- Additionally, an adult can be charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor, even if the minor is your own child, and will face up to a year in jail, five years probation and a $2,500 fine. Section 272 Penal Code CIVIL: Adults who furnish alcohol to minors may be subject to civil liability.
