Underage drinking at the wedding

I dont know if you caught this

https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-forums/whose-to-blame-should-we-get-the-deposit-back-can-ask-the-guest-for-the-difference/782779afe8931862.html

I would make it clear to your bartender to Card! and if you see the uncle or cousins drinking say something or even make a note to place on the bar for everyone stating your concern that only 21 and older drinks

I don't think you should worry about it. Its not like the officers are on duty- they will be drinking and having a good time- they won't be walking around IDing your guests. Besides, I'm sure that parents will only give their children drinks if they old enough to handle themselves- they arn't going to give a 13 year old a drink. I went to weddings when I was underage and drank- no one even thought twice about it. I just wouldn't let this stress you out.

Well first off I wouldn't ever have this happen infront of the police because off duty or not they have to report...some aren't sticklers but othes take the oath seriously.But I would just have the dj or band make an announcement if there's a bar that all miners will not be pemitted.It's a tactful solution but it's not guaranteed that all will listen or that some parents won't take it upon themselves to get their children a drink,but atleast as the hosts you will be safe and have the assurance that you've made the statement.

Is the reception at a public venue? If so, your local liquor laws may apply.

Here in Oregon, anyone underage, who is served alcohol, can cost the venue $10,000 in fines, plus a 10 day closure of their business.

If it happens more than once, it can close the business permanently. People just do not seem to get that....the law is the law...whether we agree with it or not.

Personally I think it would be tacky to make an announcement- plus that will just bring attention to the issue. How young are guests that you are inviting?

@ Kathy-This is the venue. www.brookstone-park.com. I completely agree with you. I do NOT want to be held responsible for anyones immaturities.

@ Kelly-They are in their teens anywhere from 13-18.

Law enforcement off duty or not will more than likely be uncomfortable with this. I know the guys I work with would be. I would have your Fh talk to the uncle and explain that since some police officers will be there you would both prefer the underage kids not drink.

I don't think it is tacky to have the dj make a well spoken announcement !That is better than me seeing the kids drinking and grabbing the mic and saying"YOU BETTER PUT THAT DAMN GLASS DOWN BEFORE I CHOKE YOUR SILLY ASS!!!LMAO , but so serious!!!

If they were 20 i would be like whatever they are 20 but if they are 13 to 18 talk to your uncle and tell him that there are going to be cops there yes they are guest but they are still cops and let the bartender know about this uncle too but don't make him card everyone

Do a seating chart and put the officer with your uncle. Bet he won't buy drinks for underagers during your wedding Or have the officer stand near him most of the night. Not, like, obviously... but you know. Lingering.

13-18 is a bit young. We don't have anyone under 19 coming to my wedding so thats why I've been saying I don't see it as an issue. I would say to just spread the word around your family that you've heard it can be an issue and that you would like to avoid it all together. That way no one has to be put in an uncomfortable position.

I think that that just may fall under child endangerment. I would not tolerate it at all at my wedding. I will not be responsible for it nor a person who lets it slide. under age is underage.

Kathy R. is exactly right - I am a bar manager at a local club and strictly follow the local laws. Our venue which does host wedding and many other types of functions, rule is that ANY under age person caught drinking will be asked to leave - if it continues to be an issue the party/function/wedding will be shut down. this is written right into the agreement and we have shut down functions - luckily no wedding though. I would give the bartender(s) a heads up - after all it's their butt on the line as well as the clubs/hall. In Massachusetts not only does the club or facility get fined so does the bartender(s)

I would make it known to the uncle that there will be police officer guests at the wedding and undersage drinking is not permitted and any guests underage caught drinking will be asked to leave, as with any adults supplying them with the booze.

Have you ever thought about just giving those who are 21 and above a band to wear on their wrists. Similar to what you would get if you were going out to a club/bar. That may be a good idea and an easy way to determine those who should not be drinking. So they will stick out from the crowd.

Well said sierra....thanks

@Kelly L.:I read some of the answers and said what the hell?where the heck are these people from and it's actually tactful and a friendly reminder than to have the loud family friend going around saying "hey don't drink there are officers here!!"This will make the officers uncomfortable because they were invited as guests and came to enjoy themselves..ofcoarse they are on alert but they don't want everyone pin pointing them.

Alert your bartender and leave it at that. It is his responsibility.

That's tough. My opinion would be to directly talk to the uncle since you know he has done it in the past. Also, asking the bartender to card (which hopefully they do anyway) wouldn't hurt. The thing is, depending on the size and set up of your venue, even if the bartender is carding people of age could buy drinks and pass them off to those underage w/o the bartender realizing it. I don't think I would make an announcement b/c it might make everyone conscious about drinking and not able to relax. Good luck and I hope it turns out not to be an issue for you!

If you're the one "hosting" the event, I believe you can ultimately be held responsible if anyone drinks and does something stupid. That would include adults drinking too much, driving home, crashing and killing someone. If it's an open bar, I'd have the bartender try to keep an eye on what people are drinking and to not let anyone overdo it. I'd also tell them to card anyone that looks too young. If a minor is served alcohol (even if they're only a few days under the legal drinking age) it is still illegal and is just as costly of a fine as if they were 12. A little illegal is still illegal.