Under 18s and Alcohol ?

[rookiemere]

Hi
We've been lucky so far in that DS 15 (16 soon)is showing no interest in alcohol, in fact during the second lockdown he got very into working out in the garage gym and doesn't go out partying.

But he's going to a social event next weekend. We think there is a girl involved as it's requiring a lot of effort including purchasing a suit as its a formal occasion. Unfortunately the crowd he's going with contains names that are known for having had drinking incidents and have access to spirits.

I'd be tempted just to leave it, but the complication is we're flying away on holiday the next morning.

A friend in a similar situation has bought her DS a couple of ciders as she figures better that than spirits which DS genuinely has not tried before. I feel that's a reasonable approach, but DH is very anti condoning alcohol by doing that.

What do other people do in these circumstances? I've been a teen myself and I remember underage drinking and I turned out ok.

I used to hang around a local park with a group of girls and lads drinking. We didn't do anything to cause trouble or damage anything just chatting, kissing and general larking about getting drunk. I was about 16 and 17 before I could get in pubs. It was quite normal in my day but luckily I don't think teens really do that now haha.

By 18 I had a good job, went to college and did well etc. Met my husband age 17 and still together 20 odd years later with 2 kids.

If very close to 16 I would prob ask if he is likely to be drinking and maybe get just a little for them if they want it but explain that you expect them to be sensible as going away the next morning.

When my oldest DD was 15/16 I would purchase alcohol for her, only ever beer or cider, nothing more than around the 4% mark. My theory was that if she didn't need to hide, sneak around and lie etc she'd be more open and honest. Plus I don't see anything wrong with teaching teens about acceptable alcohol use. She's now 22...ive never had her come home drunk underage, never had a late night call to pick her up drunk etc. She's now a 3rd year law student who is very responsible.

I think by making it totally off limits they'll do it anyway and will try hide it

Thanks seems I'm not off the mark with my ideas then.
Event looks like it could be more closely policed than I thought initially, plus it finishes at 11 so fingers crossed for our flights- thankfully not red eye early.

Just to update we got the email about the event and there will be frisking, breathalysers and bags locked in a cupboard until the end of the party. All I can say is that DS must be very keen on the girl that has inspired him to go
To this as teenage me thinks it looks somewhat lame.