ALAMOSA — This graduation season, local pizza restaurants are partnering with the Alamosa County Prevention Coalition, Alamosa Schools Drug Task Force and law enforcement to promote the Parents Who Host Lose the Most: Don’t Be a Party to Underage Drinking Campaign.

The goal of the campaign is to educate the community about the health risks of underage drinking and the legal outcomes of providing alcohol to youth. Graduation is an important milestone in young people’s lives and cause for celebration; however it’s important for parents to remember that providing alcohol to teens at graduation parties can be costly for everyone involved.

It is illegal, unsafe, and unhealthy for anyone under age 21 to drink alcohol. Breaking the law by purchasing alcohol, or hosting a teen drinking party, can result in a Class IV felony (contributing to the delinquency of a minor) and up to several thousand dollars in fines in the state of Colorado.

The following pizza establishments and Law Enforcement Agencies are supporting the Parents Who Host Lose the Most: Don’t Be a Party to Underage Drinking Campaign by placing leaflets on carry out pizza boxes/containers, distributing them within their restaurant and reinforcing the message in the community.

• Pizza Hut, Alamosa

• SLV Pizza Company

• Colorado State Patrol

• Alamosa Police Department

• Alamosa Sheriff’s Office

Several simple steps can be taken to prevent underage alcohol use at graduation parties:

(1) Host safe, alcohol-free activities and events for youth during graduation season and the summer.

(2) Refuse to supply alcohol to children or allow drinking in your home or on your property(s).

(3) Be at home when your teenager has a party.

(4) Make sure your teenager’s friends do not bring alcohol into your home. If youth bring in alcohol, take it away immediately.

(5) Talk to other parents about alcohol-free youth events.

(6) Report underage drinking to authorities promptly. The Alamosa County Prevention Coalition along with the Alamosa Schools Drug Task Force, Law Enforcement and other partners of the Alamosa community, are working together to make the community a healthier and safer place to live for Alamosa County residents. Parents Who Host, Lose the Most: Don’t be a Party to Teenage Drinking Campaign was developed by and is a project of Drug-Free Action Alliance. Contact Ann-Marie Peterson, Alamosa County Health Department, at 719-587-5191 or Darcey Hansen, Alamosa Schools Drug Task Force at 719-580-4520. Visit www.DrugFreeActionAlliance.org.