Illinois Liquor Control Commission
SPRINGFIELD – Prom is an exciting milestone for high school seniors. As students celebrate the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, the focus should be on staying safe, planning ahead, and making responsible choices even when faced with peer pressure. The Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC) recognizes the importance of these moments and encourages families to prioritize safety, so the memories of prom remain positive.
The Serious Risks of Underage Drinking:
- Risks of underage drinking: Alcohol can impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents, injuries, and unsafe situations. For teens, it can also affect brain development and lead to poor decision-making that has lasting consequences.
- Legal consequences: Underage drinking can result in fines, loss of driving privileges, school discipline, or even arrest. A single decision can impact future opportunities like college admissions or jobs
- It increases vulnerability: Alcohol can make it harder to recognize risky situations or protect yourself, increasing the chances of being taken advantage of or getting into unsafe environments.
“Parents and guardians play a key role by having clear, honest conversations with their teens about safe decision-making surrounding alcohol,” said ILCC Executive Director Lisa Gardner. “Creating a safe prom season takes a community effort. When families, schools, and communities emphasize safe driving, and resisting peer pressure, students are better prepared to celebrate responsibly. The goal is simple: make sure every student gets home safely with nothing but good memories from this night.”
Prom night should be fun, memorable, and above all, safe. If you’re driving, make a commitment to stay sober and focused. As the driver, avoid distractions like texting, follow speed limits, and always wear a seatbelt, since your safety and that of your friends depends on your responsible choices. It’s also important to stick to your decisions, even when faced with peer pressure; setting boundaries ahead of time can help, and true friends will respect your choices. Finally, look out for one another by arriving together, staying together throughout the night, and supporting each other is one of the best ways to ensure a positive prom experience.
At the end of the night, the best memories are the ones that can actually be remembered, so celebrate smart, look out for each other, and make it a night you’re proud of.
About the Illinois Liquor Control Commission
The Illinois Liquor Control Commission’s mission is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the people of Illinois through careful control and regulation of the manufacture, distribution, and sale of alcoholic liquors and through the development of strategies to reduce youth access to alcohol products and the provision of training and education on responsible beverage service.
To learn more about the ILCC and its divisions, visit www.ILCC.Illinois.gov. To submit a tip or complaint to the ILCC’s Enforcement Division, click here: https://ilcc.illinois.gov/divisions/enforcement.html