Educating Teens, and Parents, on the Dangers of Drinking

The Sleepy Hollow PTSA is hosting an open discussion titled 'Alcohol, Teens, Parents, Drugs and the Law' this coming Monday.

"We're hoping to shed some light on the activities of some of our high school population with everyone's safety being the ultimate concern," said Dorthy Handelman of the High School PTSA.

Attorney and Village Justice Kyle McGovern and Detective Brian Byrnes of the Tarrytown Police Department will be speaking at the event held on March 14, at 7:30 p.m. in the Sleepy Hollow High School Library.

"It's talking about what is going on in the schools and how is the police department, in conjunction with the court, is handing the situation," said McGovern

The Village Justice noted that most youths who break the law usually have to fulfill a variety of court-imposed requirements such as community service, watching a program about teens who have been hospitalized and killed due to alcohol, and writing and essay to the court and their parents about their experience.  

"Usually, I don't see them again," he said. "But if I do, they don't get that same opportunity."

The event will not only focus on what teens should know about the law and the consequences of underage drinking, but will also aim to inform parents about Westchester County's Social Host Law.

"The PTSA would also like to inform parents about the Westchester County legislation that was passed in 2008 regarding social hosting," Handelman said.

These laws impose criminal liability upon persons who knowingly allow a party, gathering, or event where minors are present and alcoholic beverages are consumed by one or more minors. Violating the law could result in a $1,000 fine and up to a year in jail.

The event is open to the public.