Md. Principal Pleads With Parents: 'Stop Hosting Alcohol Parties For Kids'

BALTIMORE (WJZ)--A warning for parents, "stop letting your kids underage drink!"

It's a message from a Maryland high school principal who wants them to stop hosting alcohol filled parties for their children!

WJZ's Rick Ritter has more on the growing trend some feel could turn deadly.

At parties hosted by parents, those in charge at a Montgomery County high school say it's becoming the weekend norm at some households.

A letter issued by Walt Whitman High School's principal Alan Goodwin pleads with parents saying, "Do not host an underage drinking party, as apparently some of you did last weekend. Find other ways to bond with your child please."

"They're putting themselves in legal jeopardy but they're also endangering students' lives," the principal said.

Most parents are rattled over what's become reality

"You're not supporting not only other parents, but the law," one parent said.

Goodwin says when he's confronted parents in the past, many tell him they have parties at their home to prevent tragedy, so their children won't drink and drive.

"I don't think it prevents tragedy, it's a tragedy to openly condone underage drinking," Courtney Roberts, a high school parent.

A 19-year-old driving the wrong way on Route 97 and 50, hit another car, killing 4 people. Police said an alcohol house party was to blame.

Goodwin's hoping his letter will maybe, save a life.

"Teenagers are still going to drink, we just want parents to be careful on how they're contributing to it," said Goodwin.

The principal says if parents are caught hosting a party at their home they can be fined $2,500 per underage drinker.

The Mothers Against Drunk Driving organization says teen alcohol use kills close to 5,000 people every year.