Know your rights: Alcohol

And now, what I have seen to be one of the most important topics of discussion in high school: alcohol. While it is no secret that the legal drinking age in the United States is 21, there are more restrictions in regards to alcohol. Here is some of the legislation in Iowa regarding alcohol consumption, possession or association, provided by the Alcohol Policy Information System:

• The underage possession of alcohol is prohibited with some exceptions: if it is in your own home and you have parent/guardian presence and consent OR if it is for legitimate religious, educational, or medical purposes.
• Underage consumption of alcohol is not explicitly prohibited; Iowa law does not specifically prohibit consumption of alcohol by people under age 21. We do, however, have a general statue prohibiting the use or consumption of alcohol by any person in a public place. In addition, Iowa law says that if a child (someone under age 18) is found to have violated this prohibition, their driver's license or operating privilege may be suspended or revoked for a period of one year.
• Under age purchase of alcohol is strictly prohibited in Iowa, no exceptions.
• Furnishing alcohol to minors is prohibited except when it happens in a private residence and the person is a parent/guardian or if it is for one or more legitimate religious, educational or medical purposes.
• Using a fake ID to obtain alcohol is a criminal offense. The penalty may include driver's license suspension.
• Blood alcohol concentration youth limits for driving a car is 0.02; this applies to all drivers under age 21.
• Loss of driving privileges for alcohol violations by minors are defined as the suspension, revocation or denial of a license for 365 days.
• Finally the prohibitions against hosting underage drinking parties is nonexistent. Legal ramifications can only come in the form of charges of possession or public intoxication.

I guess what it all comes down to is that alcohol under age 21 is illegal. However, drinking in your home under the supervision of parents is totally legal. But, the trick part comes in realizing that you cannot use that in your defense for a party at home with alcohol, when a bunch of people there it seems to be public. Always note though that police cannot be called to your home for no reason, you have to be stupid enough to get them to come.
In closing, since this is a school blog though, I need to put that drinking before it's legal, and usually afterward too, is pretty stupid. Root beer is tasty and won't get you in trouble, so just think before you act or associate with drunkards; true friends won't push you into getting a criminal record.