Prom night is coming up Saturday, for Wareham High School seniors, and while they don't want to put a damper on the festivities, the Wareham Police Department would like to remind students and parents to stay safe.

"There are social host laws that parents should be aware of,  that having a party at your house where alcohol is served [to minors] is not legal," said Lieutenant Kevin Walsh.  "Even though you think you're being safe by collecting keys, it's against the law. We will prosecute if we come across the situation."

The Massachusetts Social Host law states that an adult who provides alcohol to people under the age of 21 can be fined $2,000 and/or sentenced to one year in prison.

"It's really pretty simple. If you're not 21 you cannot consume alcohol," said Walsh.

Walsh and Wareham High School Principal  Scott Palladino both said that the biggest issue, so far as they've seen, is not drunk driving by teenagers but excessively permissive parenting.

"We don't see [the students] after the prom," said Palladino. "Hopefully the parents are making good decisions."

Walsh echoed that sentiment.

"The parents should be responsible that night also and know where their kids are," Walsh said.

Should students attempt to come to prom after imbibing, they're not likely to make it through the door. According to Palladino there will be a "passive breathalyzer" at the entrance, which can detect the scent of booze on their breath as students walk in the door.

While the school is taking precautions, and the police will be on alert that night Palladino says he has faith in his students willingness and ability to make good decisions.

"I think the kids are smart enough," said Palladino.

Nonetheless, he wants to remind everyone to stay safe while they celebrate the end of the school year and the impending graduation.

"We want to send the message - and make sure it's clear in their minds - that it only takes a split second to make a bad decision that can affect you for the rest of your life."