OIU agents remind parents and graduates of Ohio’s alcohol laws
COLUMBUS – Ohio school districts will soon be celebrating the class of 2019. Family members will gather
at graduation parties to celebrate the graduate. Those celebrations often include alcohol.
In an effort to make this a safe graduation season, agents with the Ohio Investigative Unit remind
parents and graduates to make the decision not to participate in illegal and dangerous behavior, such as
providing alcohol to those under 21 and consuming underage.
OIU agents want parents and community members to do their part by understanding Ohio’s underage drinking
laws.
It is illegal to provide a place for your child and his/her friends to drink in a “safe” environment. In
fact, parents may not provide alcohol to children who are under 21, who are not their own, even in their
own home with the other parents’ permission. Those convicted of providing alcohol to a person under 21
years of age face maximum sentences of six months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
It is illegal to purchase alcohol for anyone under 21. Anyone who purchases, sells or gives alcoholic
beverages to underage individuals faces a $1,000 fine and/or up to six months in jail.
If you are under 21 and are caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .02 percent or higher, a
level that can be reached after just one or two drinks, you can be arrested. Punishment is suspension of
your driver license for at least 90 days up to a maximum of two years, plus four points added to your
driving record. Having an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle is also illegal.
Also, carry outs and drive-through establishments should be on alert for underage individuals attempting
to purchase alcohol. Agents also recommend limo companies review policies with their drivers and ensure
they know they may also be charged with permitting underage consumption.
To report information about a bar, store or carryout selling beer and/or liquor to persons under the age
of 21, or to report an underage house party, notify the Ohio Investigative Unit by calling #677.
Forecast
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 44. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph becoming light north after
midnight.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 64. East wind 5 to 7 mph. A chance of showers and thunderstorms
after 2 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 50. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Extended: A chance of showers before 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 75. Chance of precipitation is
40%. Partly cloudy at night, with a low around 60. A chance of showers and thunderstorms Thursday.
Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Mostly cloudy at night, with a low
around 63. A chance of showers and thunderstorms Friday. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Chance of
precipitation is 40%. A chance of showers and thunderstorms at night. Mostly cloudy, with a low around
62. Chance of precipitation is 50%. A chance of showers and thunderstorms Saturday. Partly sunny, with a
high near 76. Chance of precipitation is 30%.