Underage drinking, whether on Long Island or across the country, is far from a new concern, with teens and young adults constantly on the lookout for new ways to obtain alcohol before they turn 21. But while experts contend progress has been on some fronts, largely due to education, prevention and enforcement, recent data on Long Island indicates the problem may actually be on the rise. Last year, 78 motorists age 16-20 were arrested for driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol in Suffolk County, a 110% increase from 2023, when 37 underage drivers faced the same charges, according to police department data. Nassau arrested 26 underage motorists for DWI in 2025, up 13% from the 23 arrests one year earlier, department figures show. Both counties have also reported recent year-to-year increases in arrests for violations of the state's social host law, which penalizes adults for letting underage individuals in their care drink alcohol, data indicates. More information: ht...