What parents and teens need to know about underage drinking in La Crosse County
Prom and graduation season are milestones worth celebrating. But for many local families, it can also be a time when teens are tempted to try alcohol. Parents may think it's safer if teens drink at home or a friend’s house — but underage drinking, even “just one night,” can lead to serious legal and personal consequences for both teens and adults.
What Wisconsin law says about underage drinking
Wisconsin law is clear: no one under 21 is allowed to drink alcohol — unless it’s with a parent, guardian, or spouse who is of legal drinking age. But that exception has limits. In La Crosse County and across Wisconsin, both teens and parents can face fines, license suspensions, and even civil lawsuits related to underage drinking.
Consequences for parents who allow underage drinking
Even with good intentions, such as wanting to provide a safe environment, parents can face significant penalties for allowing underage drinking in their homes. This is especially true in La Crosse County, where local ordinances enforce strict consequences for such actions.
- Social host laws — In La Crosse County, parents who host parties where underage drinking happens can be fined, even if they didn’t provide the alcohol. Fines start at $691, and it doesn’t matter if you were trying to “keep kids safe” by having them drink at home.
- Civil liability — If a teen drinks alcohol at your home and later causes harm to themselves or others, you could be sued. That could mean paying for injuries, damages, or worse.
- Criminal charges — In more serious cases, adults who allow underage drinking can face misdemeanor charges under Wisconsin law, depending on the circumstances.
Consequences for teens involved in underage drinking
Teens may see drinking as a harmless way to celebrate, but the legal consequences in Wisconsin can be serious, and they can stick around longer than the hangover.
- Fines — Teens caught drinking underage in La Crosse may be fined:
- First offense: $250
- Second offense: $407.50
- Third offense: $565
- Fourth offense: $691
- License suspension — Even if a teen isn’t driving, they can lose their driving privileges for 30 to 90 days just for possessing or drinking alcohol.
- Lifelong consequences — An underage drinking citation can have ripple effects, potentially affecting college admissions, scholarship eligibility, and future employment opportunities. It's a mark on a young person's record that can follow them into adulthood.
Advice for parents: Navigating prom and graduation season
Prom and graduation season is just around the corner, and big milestones often bring big temptations. With parties, late nights, and peer pressure in the mix, this season brings more opportunities for teens to be exposed to underage drinking. Here’s how parents can help keep celebrations safe, legal, and memorable for the right reasons.
- Communicate openly — Have candid discussions with your teen about the risks and consequences of underage drinking. Emphasize your concerns for their safety and the legal implications.
- Set clear expectations — Establish and communicate clear rules regarding alcohol consumption. Make sure your teen understands the family’s stance and the reasons behind it.
- Monitor gatherings — If you're hosting a party, be present and attentive. Ensure that no alcohol is available to underage guests and be vigilant about any attempts to introduce it.
- Know their plans — Be aware of where your teen will be during these events. Communicate with other parents to ensure that gatherings are supervised and alcohol-free.
- Offer alternatives — Encourage and help plan alcohol-free celebrations. There are numerous ways to celebrate these milestones without involving alcohol.
One bad decision can change everything
Parents have more influence than they think, especially when they lead by example and set clear boundaries. By taking the time to talk about underage drinking, you can help your teen make smart choices during prom, graduation, and beyond.