Police to Parents: Learn the Social-Host Law

It's long been illegal in Suffolk County for adults to serve alcohol to minors. But the offense bears heavier penalties after Suffolk County legislators approved a law strengthening the so-called social host law at the end of 2010.

They raised the penalty for first-time offenders to a $500 fine, and all subsequent offenses will be considered a misdemeanor carrying a penalty of a $1,000 fine and/or one year in jail. Previously a first offense was $250.

approved a law Nov. 7, 2007 that mimicked county legis lation at that time. First time offense is still $250. Northport will likely update its law to again reflect the changes in the county law.

The legislative intent in Chapter 89, Section 1 in the village code reads, in part, that, "it is the finding of the Board of Trustees that the consumption of alcoholic beverages by underage persons is a significant problem that is detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the Village where a person over the age of 18 consents to or knowingly permits the consumption of alcohol by a person under the age of 21 in his/her home.

Wondering what the law is exactly? Here are the details:

What is the Social Host Law? The primary purpose of the Social Host Law is to deter underage drinking parties or gatherings where adults knowingly allow minors to drink alcohol or alcoholic beverages.  The law applies to any adult (including parents) who are over the age of 18 and knowingly allow consumption of alcohol by minors (any person under the age of 21).  

Why is this law needed? This law provides a legal basis for holding adults responsible for knowingly allowing parties for individuals under the age of 21 to occur at a place under their control, whether or not they provide the alcohol.   Who can be charged?

• Anyone who is over the age of 18; and

  What is “Reasonable Corrective Action?” Reasonable corrective actions shall include, but are not be limited to:

• Making a prompt demand that the minor(s) stop drinking the alcoholic beverage or leave the premises; and

• If the minor refuses to comply with the request, the adult must promptly report the underage drinking to:

What are the penalties?   1st Offense:  Fine not to exceed $500 2^nd and subsequent offense:  Misdemeanor—fine up to $1,000 and/or a term of imprisonment not to exceed one year  

Other laws regarding underage persons…. The New York State Penal Law, the Alcohol Beverage Control Law, and other state and local regulations make it illegal to engage in unlawful conduct with persons under the age of 21.  These laws prohibit the sale of alcohol to persons under the age of 21, the purchase of alcohol for someone who is under the age of 21, and address conduct that endangers the welfare of persons of a protected age.  Penalties are severe, and in many cases can result in significant fines and/or imprisonment   Help us keep our young community members safe…. Illegal consumption of alcohol by minors should be reported without delay to (631) 852-COPS (2677).  Reports of a possible overdose, intoxicated or impaired driver, or other emergency should be called into 911 immediately.  Information regarding future parties where alcohol or other substances will be unlawfully consumed can be:

• Called in anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS

• “Texted in” by texting “SCPD” and the message to “CRIMES” (274637)