Alcohol Liability & Youth

Spotlight on Alcohol Liability & Youth: What Parents Need to Know!

Parents need to be aware that they have a big responsibility not only to their own children, but to other children if they’re thinking about providing alcohol and/or not supervising parties. A person who holds parties for minors where alcohol is present is liable for any crimes and injuries related to alcohol consumption, and may face criminal charges or be sued. It’s illegal to buy alcohol for a minor.

Never providing a minor with alcohol is an important part of protecting both yourself and the minor from potentially devastating consequences.

However, the fact that you did not supply the alcohol does not mean you have no responsibility. Social host liability is an evolving area of the law and hosts may not be able to avoid responsibility just because they did not actually provide the alcohol.  Allowing underage drinking in your home or on your property or failing to ensure proper supervision for teen parties may render you responsible for any negligent act committed by the minor.

Even if your children and their friends are of legal drinking age you may still be considered responsible for crimes or injuries related to alcohol consumption in your home or on your property. Remember to talk to your children about responsible hosting!

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