FALLBROOK –Fallbrook Youth Prevention Group (FYPG) will host an educational forum Monday, Jan. 28, to raise awareness of the problems that arise when young people are allowed to drink alcohol.

Local students, parents and other community members are invited to the event, set for 6 p.m. at the Fallbrook Library, 124 S. Mission Road. The forum will feature a panel of experts who can provide special insight into the consequences of underage drinking.

Scheduled panelists include an emergency medical technician, a deputy district attorney who prosecutes juvenile cases, and a Fallbrook Sheriff’s deputy. Two youth group members will also be on the panel, which will explain the county’s Social Host Ordinance.

The ordinance holds party hosts responsible if anyone under 21 drinks at their homes or events. The legal, financial and other ramifications of violating the ordinance will also be discussed and youth group members will perform a short skit during the forum, which will be translated for Spanish-speakers.

"We want to help people understand why it’s important that kids don’t drink and what the community can do to reduce underage drinking," FYPG co-chair Deisy Salas said. "We also want to give parents tools to use if their kids ask them to buy alcohol or let them drink."

Fallbrook Youth Prevention Group works to reduce youth access to alcohol and other drugs in the community. North Inland Community Prevention Program and Fallbrook Healthcare District sponsor the group.

NICPP is a county-funded provider of alcohol and drug abuse prevention services. Call (858) 391-9303 for information.