The high school and college graduation season has prompted Ohio state law enforcement agencies to remind parents and students about Ohio laws prohibiting those under age 21 from consuming alcohol.

With the celebration surrounding the accomplishments and rites of passage, we want to celebrate with our friends and family. And for some of the parents, it’s easy to remember the days when the drinking age in Ohio was 18 – but that changed in the 1980s. Nowadays, it’s important to understand the law so you can protect yourself and those you love from facing criminal charges – it can happen even if you don’t realize you’ve done something wrong in the eyes of the law.

Law enforcement warns that it’s illegal for parents to serve alcohol to people under age 21, who are not their children even at friend’s parents’ homes.

Also, it is against the law to buy alcohol for anyone under 21, and it’s against Ohio law for people under 21 to drive with a 0.02 blood-alcohol level or higher (for some people, one beer is enough to reach this limit).

The State has recommended that carry outs and liquor stores heighten their awareness of underage consumers looking to purchase alcohol.

Graduation is a time for friends and family to celebrate successes and exciting next steps entering into adulthood. The last thing anyone wants is to end up with a record.

If you or someone you love ends up in a tricky legal situation, we can help. Call The Law Office of Brian Jones at 740-363-3900 at the first sign of trouble.

Please have a wonderful and safe graduation season. Cheers to the future!