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Thursday, April 7, 1988, p. 3.
EDITORIAL
Related editorial here


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Reducing a risk of youth

A bill presently being considered by the NYS Senate Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse would amend the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act to make underage possession of alcohol with intent to consume a violation, punishable by a fine of not more than $100 or up to 50 hours of community service.

Intruduced by Senator Charles Cook of the 40th District, this bill (S.7149) seems like an idea whose time has come. Or perhaps more accurately, one whose time arrived a very long time ago.

The long provision contains two exceptions: when the alcohol is provided by a parent or guardian; or in a wine tasting or similar course licensed by the State Education Department.

While there may be a few problems with the proposed bill as it stands, basically it would make sound policy and deserves support. One dificiency which seems to require addressing, for example, is whether a person under 21 may legally "possess and consume" wine as part of a religious observance or ceremony.

But for the most part, consumption of alcohol by minors has nothing to do with either worship or legitimate education.

Emotional instability, or immaturity, is a trait common among teenagers. A strong need for acceptance by peers, attention from parents and other significnat figures, and an effort to prove their worth and abilities -- are all characteristics familiar to parents and childcare workers.

In New York there is presently no law against consumption of alcohol by a minor. The crime lies in its purchase, or with the adult who provides it.

It has been said that "a parent's job is to say no, and a kid's job is to sneak." Sneak they do, and probably always will.

We have diffent standards of behavior for minors than for grown-ups, on the premise that experience brings a degree of wisdom, or at least increased rights of self-determination.

Particularly in public places, it is the responsibility of government to act in loco parentis; to teach, to correct and to care. For society to allow minors to drink as a matter of public policy is to court addiction and disaster in later life.

Teen drinking is as much a problem locally as elsewhere in the country. We see its consequences in high tragedies involving intoxicated youngsters, and in drownings and beer bashes along the Upper Delaware and elsewhere.

Much of the responsibility lies at the door of unscrupulous drug pushers who sell alcohol to children without bothering to check IDs. But the state is negligent when it fails to deal directly with the teenage drinker.

Cooks' proposal would make minors accountable for their behavior, and send a message concerning the dangers of substance abuse.

-- Tom Rue, contributing editor

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Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River