Any person who serves or makes alcohol available to a person under the legal drinking age of 21 is subject to a $1,000 fine and up to 180 days in jail per person served. Parents can be held civilly liable even if they are not present during the time of the party.

If serving an underage person alcohol results in injury, the adult may be charged with Endangering the Welfare of Children, and may be subject to a fine of up to $15,000 and up to 5 years in state prison.

New Jersey Law imposes civil liability on social hosts who serve alcohol to anyone under the legal drinking age of 21 who is subsequently involved in an incident causing injury or death.

A social host may be sued for up to two years after an incident that occurs resulting in injury or death. As the result of a lawsuit, your house, car, and bank accounts may be seized and future wages may be garnished.

The Union County Coalition's Student Survey showed that in 2008, 64% of Union County 8th graders had already consumed their first drink.

The Union County Coalition's Student Survey also showed that in 2008, 53% of Union County's youth perceived their parents having little or no concern about them drinking alcohol compared to 31% in 2001.

In New Jersey, the average child first uses/abuses alcohol in 7th grade at 11.3 years old.

68% of parents surveyed and 61% of teens surveyed said that it is generally easy for underage youth to get alcohol.

If drinking is delayed until age 21, a child's risk of serious alcohol problems is decreased by 70%.