Guardian Pledge

** ALL GUARDIANS IN SUPPORT OF THE GUARDIAN PLEDGE ARE DENOTED WITH AN ASTERIK IN THE DIRECTORY **

The Guardian Pledge is not intended to be legally binding. It represents a point of view and philosophy about teens, alcohol and drugs. We encourage all Guardians to CALL the homes of the families hosting parties to ensure their compliance. Thank you for working together to help make the LS Community safe for our teens!

GUARDIAN ALCOHOL AND DRUG FREE PLEDGE

“I will not serve, nor will I knowingly allow anyone under the legal drinking age to consume alcohol in my home or on my property, in compliance with Massachusetts’ law.  I will not serve nor will I knowingly allow the use of illegal drugs in my home or on my property.  I will make a conscientious effort to safeguard my home while I am away, and would welcome a call to verify a party and to check on adult supervision.”

Legal Implications of Underage Alcohol/
Drug Usage in Massachusetts

DISCLAIMER:  The following information is provided here as a courtesy and to provide general guidelines. We do not represent that the information is complete, thorough, or up to date. It does not constitute legal advice.

IT IS ILLEGAL:

  1. To serve alcohol to anyone under 21 other than your own child, even in your own home, even with permission from other parents.
  2. For an adult to sell alcohol to, or purchase it for, anyone under 21.
  3. For anyone under 21 to purchase or possess alcohol.
  4. For anyone under 21 to borrow an I.D. from someone 21 or older, or to falsely declare he or she is 21 or older in order to purchase alcohol.
  5. To alter, transfer, or deface I.D. cards purchased from the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
  1. For anyone under 21 to transport alcohol, opened or unopened, in a car.
  2. To drive while under the influence of alcohol.
  3. For anyone, regardless of age, to have alcohol on public school premises, even the parking lot.
  4. To consume alcoholic beverages, at any age, in a public place unless specifically authorized by law.
  5. For anyone age 16 1/2 to 18 to drive between 12:30 AM to 5:00 AM without a parent or legal guardian in the car.
  6. To possess illegal narcotics.

Civil Liability of Particular Concern to Parents/Adults
Civil Liability Laws 3-03-04, TC Rules-Procedure

  1. If an adult gives or allows an alcoholic beverage to be consumed by anyone under 21, including his or her own child, and that person causes personal injury or property damage, the adult and the underage person are both civilly liable for financial damages.
  2. If your child has been taken into protective custody because of intoxication and is under the age of 17, you will be contacted.  Your child will be released to your custody.
  3. If you supply minors with alcohol, you are breaking the law and may be charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.  If you allow minors (other than your own children) to consume alcoholic beverages at your home, you are breaking the law and may be charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
  4. If any unruly party is held at your home when you are not present, the Juvenile Officer or a member of the police department may notify you.  You may expect a meeting with the Juvenile Officer or a member of the police department.  You may be charged with keeping a disorderly house.
  5. If an intoxicated person is injured or killed or causes property damage after drinking at your home, you may be held liable even if you are not home at the time. This holds true if alcoholic beverages are obtained or served or consumed on your property.