The end of the school year is approaching, and that means the start of graduation parties throughout Long Island. Too often, these celebrations include underage drinking and driving.
If you are thinking of hosting a party for your child and his or her friends, you should think again. Both Nassau and Suffolk Counties have social host laws that make it a crime to allow minors to drink in your home. In addition, you can be held liable for any injuries or accidents that occur that night as a result of an underage child drinking in your home.
The potential risks are great—teens that drink are a danger to themselves, to their friends and to others on the road, should they choose to drive. And driving isn’t the only danger—teens who have been drinking are more likely to be assaulted, drown, fall, or injure themselves in some other way.
Graduation is a time for celebrating, but it is important to ensure your child and friends are safe. Allowing minors to drink in your home poses too great a risk of a tragic accident, which is a big price to pay for a night of fun. The best way to protect your child and family is to not allow underage drinking in your home at all. In addition, if your child is invited to a party at a friend’s house, find out if alcohol will be served. Talk openly to your child about the dangers of alcohol and stress the importance of never getting in a car with a friend or anyone who has been drinking. Your attitudes and behavior toward teen drinking also influences how your child thinks and behaves.
Have Any Questions? Contact Us Today
If you have any questions about social host liability laws, contact us today and we’ll answer all your questions. If your teenager was injured in any way after being served alcohol at a friend’s house, we can sit down with you to help you understand the law, your rights and what you can expect from the legal process. Our advice and consultations are free and come with no obligation. Contact us today.