Staying Safe on New Year`s | Video

Amy Fox | 12/31/2012

Before you head out to your New Year`s party tonight, you may want to check in with your teenage kids to see how they`re celebrating, it could surprise you. Underage drinking and partying is a big problem, and the Minot Police Department is trying to crack down on it this New Year`s.

Police often respond to noise complaints at hotels and house parties involving minors in connection with underage drinking. But, before your teen cracks open another beer, the Minot PD has a message for you: the parent.

"Make sure you know what their plans are, you know, you`re still the parent here. And, if you`re the one allowing them to go out and give the okay, you are still automatically responsible for them. And, if you don`t put rules down, you may have some consequences that you`re going to have to live with for a long time,” said Margie Zietz, Minot Police Department Crime Prevention.

If a teen is caught drinking underage, they could face charges for unlawful consumption and disorderly conduct.

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