As high school students around the area finish their last Regents exams this week, seniors are preparing for graduation and proms. We hope all parents take a few minutes to discuss safety issues with their teens particularly in regard to driving. It seems that every year Long Island has to bear at least one terrible driving tragedy around this time of year, due to the confluence of inexperienced drivers, youthful exuberance and, unfortunately, underage drinking.

Several weeks ago the Garden City Police Department issued a reminder to homeowners that they may bear legal responsibility for any underage drinking that takes place on their property. This week some parents in another Long Island community were arrested for allegedly violating the county's social host law by allowing underage drinking. In addition to criminal penalties, homeowners can also be held accountable civilly for any children who are injured at an underage drinking party on their premises. (Don't assume that your homeowners policy will cover you, either!)

The Garden City Police Department has a program to assist parents in preventing underage drinking house parties. Under this program, parents or guardians can complete a Voluntary Consent Form which allows the police to enter their home when there is an apparent party involving underage alcohol use and/or drug use based on a reported complaint or an officer's observations. With this permission, the officers may enter the home even if the parents or guardians are not present. This program is particularly effective when parents go on vacation and teenagers remain at the home. This form gives authority to police officers to remove unauthorized persons from the residence and to confiscate observed alcohol, drugs and contraband. The form is available at police headquarters in Village Hall.

Even if you trust your own teen not to have friends over while you are away, it is worth filling out the form because he will then be able to explain to his friends why they can't come over for a party.

Meg Morgan Norris

Publisher