...I have no problems with parents (if they choose to) allowing their children to drink at home, in private; the kids are supervised that way and can't go out and harm others while they learn to cope with the effects alcohol...

There is a case pending in the Philadelphia area where a mum provided alcohol for a teen party at her house. She was in attendance but apparently not attending very well. A fifteen year old girl got drunk, was put in the homeowner's son's room and was later raped by the son. Lives have been severely damaged if not destroyed. Alcohol and teens don't go together very well - especially if mum isn't keeping an eye out.