But even with such a daunting task, Capt. Larry Benton said the Shelby Police Department's vice squad continues to enforce the laws that forbid teens from buying alcohol, and cracking down on stores that sell alcohol to minors. In 1998, Shelby police arrested 77 people between 16 and 20 years old for alcohol offenses, ranging from possession of one beer, to drunken driving, to minors being drunk and disruptive. So far in 1999, they have arrested 16 more. All the offenses are misdemeanors.
Punishment can be active jail time, a fine, probation, or a combination of all three.
Teen drinking and driving laws differ from that of adults, though. Teen drivers can't have even a sip of alcohol and legally get behind the wheel. Law enforcement does prosecute all the cases involving alcohol, but punishment of teen drinkers is only part of the solution. Many minors who drink have multiple addictions to illegal drugs as well as alcohol. The key to changing teen drinking habits is keeping teens away from alcohol use in the first place.