Care urged with after parties
With high school senior balls looming in Taupo, police are pleading with parents and teenagers to do their homework on the effects of alcohol and the law surrounding the supply of alcohol to under 18’s.
Alcohol Harm Reduction officer, Sergeant Sarah Foster, said people needed to wise up around the supply of alcohol to youths.
‘‘I want to send out the prevention message to get the parents/ guardians to be informed before supplying their young person with the maximum quota for these events,’’ she said.
‘‘The parents can take some responsibility in educating themselves around alcohol harm in New Zealand society and educate their young people who are all at the stage of peer pressure to drink.
‘‘They are also likely to drink more than their parents/ guardians give them.’’
Foster said after-ball parties held many potential risks for young people.
Foster recommends parents/ guardians visit a website which explains the rules and provides advice.
‘‘ [I] do not believe that allowing a young person to take 10 alcoholic drinks to a party which lasts for four hours is responsible supply,’’ she said.
‘‘Young brains are still developing and they have less tolerance to the effects of alcohol.’’
Foster said Police attended an event in Taupo last year at which some disorderly gate crashers arrested and she is hoping this year will be different.
Tauhara College will kick off the senior ball season this coming Saturday with Taupo-nui-a-Tia’s ball on June 10.
Taupo-nui-a-Tia College principal, Peter Moyle, said the school doesn’t encourage after ball parties but knows they go ahead.
‘‘The oness is on their parents but we are able to help with offering advice. We just want to ensure parents are aware of the inherent risks with alcohol.’’
Any parent or guardian deemed not to be supplying alcohol responsibly, can be charged under the Sale & Supply of Alcohol Act.
Contact Sergeant Foster on 07 378 6060 or email sarah.foster@police.govt.nz for advice on the law, or visit alcohol.org.nz