Could have been worse for parents

Michael and Cathy Bushman, the parents accused of giving teens alcohol at a post-prom party in their home, are lucky their only consequence is being ticketed along with the 24 underage drinkers.

If guilty, they would face only a $1,000 fine under Naperville law that prohibits parents from giving alcohol to individuals under 21 — even their own children. But the cost in such a situation could be much greater if someone got hurt.

Under state law, if you supply alcohol or drugs to someone underage and the person becomes intoxicated and injures or kills someone, you can be sued. This liability also extends to damaged property.

Turning a blind eye is not the solution. Even if the Bushmans didn’t supply alcohol, they could be liable if they just permitted underage drinking at their home. If you knew or could’ve known about underage drinking on your property or property you control, such as a rented hotel room, you can be held accountable.

Such mistakes are all too common. More than half of teen drinkers get alcohol from someone over the age of 21, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, including 26 percent who get it from a parent or other family member.

Don’t be the parent who acts like a “friend.” Don’t be the aunt or uncle that is not “strict.” Don’t be the “cool” older sibling. It’s not worth the life of the teens or your own livelihood, bank account or home. As a former president of the MADD DuPage County chapter, I’ve seen enough underage drinking tragedies to warn parents against these parties. Sometimes people complain that they didn’t know what they were doing was illegal. But, as a parent, what kind of example are you setting? Think about it.

Richard F. Mallen

Glen Ellyn