Home Alcohol Provision Illegal in NC

0:00Here's more Durham news for March 18th. Many parents wonder of letting teenagers sift alcohol at home in North Carolina builds better habits. The answer is no. It's generally illegal to provide booze to anyone under 21, even in your own house. State law bans it with just a few narrow exceptions, and violators face a $250 fine, $100 in court costs, and 25 hours of community service. Exceptions include religious ceremonies run by a church or minister, medical treatment for alcohol issues, or supervised tastings in culinary classes. Unlike 30 other states like Georgia and Virginia, North Carolina does not allow parents or guardians to give alcohol to minors at home. Some parents believe home drinking teaches responsibility and keeps kids safer than sneaking out. But experts say it often backfires, with studies showing half of early drinkers pick up the habit from family. This raises their odds of binge drinking or developing alcohol

1:00disorders later. A Wake County defense attorney notes parents can still get charged, even without harm. If injury or death results, civil lawsuits could follow, hitting families hard financially and emotionally. For now, officials urge sticking to the law to protect young brains still developing. If you're unsure about local rules, check with authorities rather than risking it. The Daily News Now is made possible with support from our sponsor. Press play. Put your head down. The sound is already there, S-O-L-L-I, solelypillow.com.