As a parent, you play a big role in whether your child drinks alcohol before age 21.
You help shape the rules at home, set a good example, and decide how easy it is to access alcohol. Even so, kids may still find alcohol in the community, so it’s important to stay involved.
Ways to Reduce Your Child's Access to Alcohol
Monitor Alcohol at Home
- Keep alcohol out of reach or locked away.
- Pay attention to how much alcohol you have at home.
- Clearly talk with your child about your family rules on alcohol.
Talk with Other Parents
- Get to know the parents of your child’s friends.
- Stay in touch when your child is at someone else’s house.
- Ask if gatherings are supervised and if alcohol will be present.
Never Provide Alcohol to Minors
- It is illegal to give alcohol to anyone under 21.
- Doing so can lead to legal trouble, including fines or lawsuits.
- It can also send the message that underage drinking is okay.
Get Involved in Your Community
Parents can help make a big difference. You can:
- Work with schools or local health groups to prevent underage drinking
- Talk with local leaders about rules that reduce youth access
- Encourage businesses to check IDs and follow the law
- Support schools, churches, and community groups in setting clear no-alcohol rules for youth events
What Are Social Host Laws?
A social host is an adult who allows underage drinking at their home or property.
- Adults can be held responsible if minors drink at their home—even if they didn’t provide the alcohol or didn’t know it was happening.
- These laws help prevent underage drinking at parties.
North Dakota Laws for Adults
- It is illegal to give alcohol to anyone under 21.
- It is also illegal to allow underage drinking in your home or on your property.
Adults can face serious consequences:
- Criminal penalties: Fines or jail time
- Civil liability: Being sued for damages or injuries
For example, if a teen drinks at your home and later causes a car crash, you could be held responsible—even after they leave. Insurance may not cover the costs if laws were broken.