Cops issue reminder to parents

The age has shifted to and fro over the years, but our society has determined there is one point when young adults are too young to decide whether to drink or not, and another point when they are.

Young people being the way they are, unfortunately, it's rare that a 21st birthday is celebrated with a first taste of alcohol. In fact, someone who has waited that long to imbibe has probably long decided that the use of alcohol is something to be avoided.

Since it is against the law to drink before turning 21, how is it that underage drinking is such a problem? The answer, of course, is that young people seem to have no trouble finding alcohol when they need it.

We've all read stories and seen the videos of State Patrol "sting" operations where underage buyers have no problem purchasing alcohol at some liquor stores and bars.

But businesses won't tolerate such goings on for long. If the $250 or $500 fine isn't persuasive enough, perhaps the threat of a suspended liquor license is.

Yes, there are too many alcohol sales to minors, but most minors don't get their booze from the corner liquor store -- directly, at least.

For most, according to the Kearney Police Chief, the source is closer to home -- it IS home, in fact. "One of the most consistent and constant providers of alcohol for youths is parents," KPD Chief Dan Lynch told members of the Kearney City Council.

Other sources are friends' parents and older friends -- who face serious fines if caught.

The problem has already caught the attention of the Nebraska State Patrol, through its "Think B4U Wink" enforcement effort aimed at curbing adult tolerance of underage drinking.

During two nights of special enforcement in the Hastings area -- June 30 and July 21 -- 32 minors were cited for being in possession of alcohol, 26 people were cited for having an open container, four for drug charges and two for drinking on unlicensed property.

Underage drinking certainly isn't confined to the Hastings area, and enforcement efforts have turned up dozens of MIP and DUI cases in our area and elsewhere around the state.

With summer in full swing and the school year approaching, these warnings from law enforcement should be a wakeup call for adults to be responsible when it comes to allowing the children in our charge to get involved with alcohol.