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Teen parties are a primary setting for underage drinking for high school and college students. The number of parties tends to increase this time of year not only with graduation but also with "end-of-school", summer vacation, and beach parties.

For young drinkers when the physical effects of alcohol are coupled with emotional immaturity and inexperience it can be devastating. Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens, and about a quarter involve an underage drinking driver according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA).

"Every year teens in Florida are injured or killed as a result of underage drinking.  Adults hosting teen parties must take the necessary precautions to be sure that underage drinking does not occur at the parties," says Hurt By Drunk Driver Attorney, Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

Adults furnishing alcohol to underage teens can be charged under Florida law.  They can also be held both criminally and civilly responsible if underage drinking occurs and someone is hurt or killed as a result of alcohol consumption at the party they are hosting.

A great party starts with planning; planning for everything:

•  Decide on a guest list. Give your teen a maximum number to invite. Set an age limit for guests. Keep a copy of the guest list for your records.
•  Send invitations. Have your teen inform his/her guest that the party is by invitation only. Do not send e-mail invitations. Avoid the “open party” situation.
• Set a party time, inclusive of a start and end time.
•  Put your phone number on the invitation, and welcome calls from parents.
•  Inform parents/guardians about the party and explain your expectations of partygoers. No Alcohol!
•  Secure all forms of alcohol, firearms and any other hazardous items in your home in a safe place.
•  Stay at the party. Your presence is important. Walk through the party area frequently. Have additional adult supervision onsite during the party.
•  No uninvited guests.
•  If you suspect a teen guest is intoxicated, contact his or her parents/guardians immediately.
•  Have guests remain in the party location; do not allow teens to go back and forth to a parking lot or a vehicle car.
•  Do not allow teens to bring outside drinks, cups or open bottles into the party. (Source: Parental Guide for Hosting Responsible Parties)

"Taking keys from teen guests before the party and returning them when the guests are ready to leave, is a good way to help control the party.  Hosting and attending parties is supposed to be fun.  It should not end up in tragedy," says Attorney Spivey.

Hurt By Drunk Driver Attorney,  Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.