Underage Drinking

Economic Consequences.

 

Economic consequences of underage drinking are very large in the United States. In only California the total cost of underage drinking was $6.8 billion dollars in 2010 (UDETC). Different problems account for the large sum of money. Costs include medical care, work loss, and pain and suffering associated with the multiple problems resulting from the use of alcohol by youth (Levy, D.T). Some more specific problems that contribute to the cost are youth traffic crashes, violence, property crime. Youth violence comes in first with the sum of $3,754 million and traffic crashes $1,136 million (UDETC). Youth violence and traffic crashes are the main contributors to the cost of underage drinking. The cost from traffic crashes usually comes from damage of private property, light posts, accidents with other drivers or even the death of bystanders. 

Underage drinking is also viewed as a major problem for officers. The law prohibits anyone under the age of 21 to consume an alcoholic beverage. The violation of this law can lead to a citation of $250 and 24 to 32 community service. The second offense can lead to a citation of $500 and 36 to 48 community service. If in possession of an alcoholic beverage in a vehicle, your license can be suspended up to one year. Anyone 21 and over giving alcohol to minors can face a fine of $1,000 and six month to a year in county jail. Having a bad record could also affect the future of adolescents. It could harm their chances of getting a job or it could caused them to wait longer to be able to get a drivers license.