Some Mamou citizens seek answers to underage drinking

Citizens alarmed over teen drinking are asking town officials to do something about it, but it is uncertain what can be done.
Jessica Fontenot, chairwoman of Parents Against Underage Drinking, said the group first met in the Teen Center after parents became concerned about underage drinking at the homecoming dance last year at the town’s skating rink. Underage drinking also occurred at the prom, she said.
She said 25 concerned parents have joined Parents Against Underage Drinking, and some 100 are involved in the organization on Facebook.
Fontenot said the organization is trying to raise awareness about the problem of underage drinking in the community.
The group hopes to attract more concerned parents and to organize alcohol-free events for young people in the community.
Fontenot said the organization wants alcohol banned from events young people attend at the town’s recreation area, including the parking lot.
Mayor Ricky Fontenot asked why homecoming, proms and other events for students were not being held at the school, as they are in other parts of the parish.
One of the members of Parents Against Underage Drinking in the meeting room audience said there are no air-conditioned areas at the school large enough to have a homecoming dance or prom, such as the gym. The mayor said that issue may have to be addressed by the parish school board.
Fontenot, the Parents Against Underage Drinking chairwoman, said adults have been drinking in the parking lot at school events held at the town’s facilities and have been providing alcoholic beverages to underage people.
She asked if the town’s contract that people renting the facilities sign could specify that no alcohol will be permitted in the facility and in the parking lot and other areas outside the facility.
Council members were unsure if the town was able to do that, but Savoy, the town’s consulting attorney, will research the law and provide the mayor and council with a legal opinion later.