CT’s Social Host Law:
It is illegal to provide alcohol to a young person under 21 in your home or on your property
Social Hosting is providing alcohol to any visitors under 21 in your home or on your property. An adult can be liable not only for simply providing alcohol but the consequences can extend to parents and homeowners who are not on the premises and did not directly provide the alcohol!
CT’s Social Host Law: http://www.ct.gov/opm/cwp/view.asp?a=2974&q=435196
What’s So Wrong with Social Hosting? What if I take away their keys?
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Hosting parties for underage drinkers sends the message that it’s okay to break the law. |
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Even taking away the keys doesn’t protect you from the possible consequences-- rape, fights, overdoses, and injuries from falls or other incidents that may occur on your property. All may leave the adult criminally or civilly liable. |
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Do you really want to enable young persons to hurt themselves in the long term? Abusing alcohol and even using it at a young age impairs brain growth, impairs memory and learning skills and increases the chances of alcohol addiction later in life. |
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Do you really want to enable a young person to hurt themselves now? Alcohol use increases the risky behaviors listed above, including sexual activity. Unprotected sex can lead to sexually transmitted diseases and other infections such as HIV, as well as unwanted pregnancies. |
Other Consequences:
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You may be sued by parents of children who had been drinking and were harmed on your property or who left your property and were injured shortly after. You may be responsible for medical bills, payment for pain and suffering, and lawyers’ fees. |
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You may suffer unfavorable publicity in the news. |
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Someone could be seriously injured or killed. |
Lymes' Youth Service Bureau
P.O. Box 589
59 Lyme Street
Old Lyme, CT 06371
860-434-7208