If you're thinking about sharing that New Year's glass of champagne with your underage child, are you allowed to do so? We looked into the law.
"As long as they're drinking in their homes, there is an exception to Reno Municipal Code," said Officer Tim Broadway with the Reno Police Department.
Officer Broadway says it is legal for parents to give alcohol to their children in their own homes, and they actually see an increase in underage alcohol consumption around the holidays.
"We do see an increase when we respond to domestic disturbance calls in the City of Reno where parents and their children are drinking for the holiday season inside their house," he said.
According to Reno municipal code, alcohol consumption is illegal for any under 21 except, "possession or consumption in the presence of the person's parent, spouse, or legal guardian who is 21 or older in a private residence."
But there are some gray areas. The Reno Police Department says parents are legally responsible for their children if they leave their home drunk, and get into some trouble. The kids can as well.
"If their children do drink, and they leave the residence and they are contacted by law enforcement whether they're drinking or driving, or they go to another friends house or walking around the street, they can be cited or arrested for minor in consumption."
If things get too out of control, parents could be at risk of losing some parental rights.
"They can be cited or even arrested for child endangerment."
The best thing Broadway says, if alcohol is involved, be responsible... for both teens and parents.
The law is similar in the City of Sparks. By the way, Nevada is one of 10 states where underage persons can drink inside a bar or a restaurant as long as a parent or guardian gives permission and is with the child.
