Have You Weighed In On Underage Drinking?

Montgomery County Patch readers are split on the issue of underage drinking and how alcohol laws should be enforced—or not.

In an article hosted by parents, we asked users what they thought of the problem.

Our poll asking if users thought parent-hosted underage alcohol parties were a problem in the area was split nearly 50/50. Forty-seven percent of responders said they knew of at least one parent-hosted underage drinking party, while 48 percent of responders said they weren't aware of such parties being a problem.

In the comments, parents, grandparents, teachers and Patch editors weighed in with their opinions. Most agreed that the issue is a flawed system, not necessarily underage drinking itself.

"A better question might be - 'is the highest drinking age in the developed world a problem?' said one user.

Another, Eric S., responded that "Teens are going to drink. Period."

"I do believe alcohol abuse will occur in some way shape or form, regardless of what we do as a society," said Jeff Hawkins. "I think here in the U.S. we have do have a cultural issue with alcohol that tends to heighten the excitement for teens to experiment with it or experience it."

Some Patch users were outraged at the way the criminal justice system handles underage drinking, especially after viewing what some considered an overly-agressive party bust on WUSA9.

"I believe that police enforcement against these private parties is way too heavy handed, repressive, and getting completely out of hand. If this level of enforcement is the end result of the way the laws are written, I believe the laws should be changed," said user Native.

Whether or not a law prohibiting drinking for some ages is right or wrong, several users were concerned that parents were teaching kids that breaking the law is okay.

"It is not appropriate to teach kids that breaking the law is okay by parents having drunken teenage parties," Will said.

"Those kids don't stand a chance when they are learning not only parental approval to illegally consume alcohol but also learning 'flee tactics' from law enforcement," said Sharon Adams.

Underage drinking and what society should or should not do about it is obviously a hot topic for Montgomery County. Have you weighed in with your opinion?

Is it right to send a kid off to war when he or she is still considered too young to drink a beer?