Drinking at 18
My son will be turning 18 soon and wants to have a party (with beer)at our house for his friends to attend, many are 18 and under. We are thinking about getting the parents' permission, written and contact them either in person or by telephone and explain that everybody is to be dropped off and picked up by their parents. What kind of legal complications could we expect? Keep in mind - this is only in the 'thinking stage' and we are merely entertaining the idea. Our thoughts - he's going to drink anyway and we much prefer to have it in a controlled environment. If somebody does drive, keys will be collected and not given back until the next day. Your thoughts please...Thank you.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Drinking at 18
Depending on the amount of space you have, an alternative to not doing it at all would be to require a parent of each underage drinking guest to attend. (What a dilemma for an 18-year-old: drinking free beer in the presence of the ultimate buzzkill!) Otherwise, you certainly place yourselves in jeopardy of being prosecuted for furnishing alcohol to minors. Think it sounds far-fetched? I have a couple of clients who can tell you that all it takes is a little loud music and someone foolish enough to open the door to the cops.
Re: Drinking at 18
Hello there,
Don't do it.
You could be arrested for providing alcohol to minors and face a punishment range up to a year in jail and up to a $4,000 fine.
It is legal for a parent to let their child drink alcohol in their presence but you cannot contribute to others. You are not the other children's parents and having them sign off just isn't going to work.
Also if someone leaves your house and gets in a wreck, you could be held responsible.
Just don't do it.
Sincerely,
Erick Platten
PLATTEN LAW OFFICE
STATE WIDE REPRESENTATION
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