Ridgefield PD Warns Parents Of HS Grads

RIDGEFIELD, CT — With Ridgefield High School set to graduate its Class of 2022 Friday, local police are warning parents and guardians that celebrations still have to be legal.

As a result, police Wednesday are reminding residents about the state's so-called "Social Host Law" or the "House Party Law."

While movies and television have glamorized high school and/or high school graduation parties as being humorous, harmless endeavors, they can be deadly for some and get the hosts, often times parents, in a heaping, helping of trouble.

Simply put, police said anyone under 21 is still a minor and its illegal for them to drink.

Parents who allow underage drinking at parties are violating the statute "prohibiting minors to illegally possess liquor in dwelling units or on private property or failing to halt such illegal possession."

They can face a $2,000 fine and up to a year in jail, according to a flyer publicized by Ridgefield police.

The charges can increase and become more serious should someone die or become ill or injured due to the party, police said.

Ridgefield High School's 2022 commencement exercises are at 4 p.m. Friday at the O'Neill Center on the Western Connecticut State University campus.

"With the Class of 2022 graduation right around the corner, the Ridgefield Police would like to remind students and parents of Connecticut's Social Host Law," police said via social media. "Please be responsible and do not host or allow underage drinking at your residence. Take the proper steps to enjoy and celebrate responsibly."

For the Ridgefield Police Department's Facebook page, click on this link.

For the Ridgefield Police Department's Twitter page, click on this link.