Teens say its easy to obtain alcohol
By: Timothy R. Homan / Daily News Correspondent
Local News Coverage (Sunday, January 8, 2006)

FRAMINGHAM -- Alcohol for underage drinking is obtained with ease, but most teenagers take steps to minimize the hazards of drunken driving, according to students at Framingham High School.

Older friends and siblings, as well as fake IDs, are the standard means for acquiring beer and liquor, the kids say. At the same time, students said designated drivers at house parties are equally commonplace.

Their presence and general attitudes toward alcohol have not changed significantly following the deaths of two Algonquin Regional High School students, Shauna and Meghan Murphy of Southborough. Police reports indicate alcohol played a factor in the sisters’ Oct. 17 car accident.

"We don’t drive when we’re intoxicated," said Rachel, 16, a junior who has her driver’s license. "If someone’s drinking you get another ride or stay at a house." Last names were withheld in this report because the students are minors.  Most students said parties are held in homes, sometimes in back yards if there are woods nearby.

"It’s so easy" to get alcohol, said Ben, a sophomore. He noted that while older brothers and sisters often make the purchases, "they aren’t 21 either."  Ben went on to express a sentiment shared by many. He said, "More girls than guys drink."

"I actually think that’s true," said Cynthia, who has her learner’s permit. The junior said obtaining alcohol is rarely difficult, especially since some students have parents who own liquor stores.  Rachel, standing with a group of other juniors, said, "We don’t drink beer, the girls at least."

Instead, she said, most of her peers prefer hard liquor.  For students who have fake IDs, "we have to go downtown" to buy alcohol, said Mike, a senior. He added that while, in his opinion, the amount of underage drinking has increased this year, students are usually cognizant of the perils of getting behind the wheel.

"We drink and stay at one place," he said.

Jeff, a sophomore, agreed, saying, "I don’t think a lot of people drive drunk." He said it is common to have a designated driver, especially since some students prefer not to drink at all.  While tragic car accidents involving alcohol cause some high schoolers to reflect on the dangers of drunk driving, most say no overall change is noticeable.

"It makes you more aware," said Rachel, who stopped short of saying it would affect the drinking habits of teenagers.

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