Crime & Safety

Dedham Police Remind Parents of the Social Hosting Laws for Prom

The Law in Massachusetts is clear. Whoever furnishes alcohol to a person under 21 years of age shall be punished by a fine up to $2,000 or imprisonment or both.

Editor's Note: The following information was submitted my the Dedham Police Department.

 

With Prom season approaching the Dedham Police Department would like to take the opportunity to remind parents of the Social Hosting laws in Massachusetts.

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The Law in Massachusetts is clear. Whoever furnishes alcohol to a person under 21 years of age shall be punished by a fine up to $2,000 or imprisonment or both. “Furnish” shall mean to knowingly or intentionally supply, give, provide to or allow to possess alcoholic beverages on premises or property owned or controlled by the person charged. This law covers teenage alcohol parties that are held with the parent’s knowledge.

This law also applies to alcohol parties held by individuals under 21 who host parties while their parents are away.  In 2005 a 19 year old Massachusetts boy was convicted and incarcerated for providing alcohol to his underage friends at his parent’s home. One of his 19-year-old friends drove away from the house drunk and killed a 16-year-old girl and seriously injured a 17-year-old boy

Find out what's happening in Dedhamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Questions and answers about social host law:

 

Am I breaking the law if I allow my child’s underage guests to consume alcohol in my home?

Yes. The legal drinking age in Massachusetts is 21. It is against the law to serve or provide alcohol to underage guests or to allow them to drink alcohol in your home or on other property you control. If you do, you may be prosecuted criminally. The penalty is a fine of up to $2,000, imprisonment for up to a year, or both. M.G.L. c. 138, s. 34

Can I be sued if my child or an underage guest at my home drinks alcohol and injures someone?

Yes. You may be financially responsible if your child or underage guest injures another person (or himself) after having consumed alcohol, if you controlled the supply of the alcohol, made it available, or served it. Civil judgments can be for millions of dollars.

What if my child allows underage guests to drink or possess alcohol at my home or other property I control?

You or your child may be charged criminally. For you to be found guilty under the Social Host Law, the Commonwealth must prove that you or your child knowingly or intentionally supplied, gave, provided, or allowed minors to possess alcohol at your home or other property you controlled. You or your child may also be sued civilly.

Does the Social Host Law apply if I rent a hotel room for my daughter’s party?

Yes, since you control the hotel room, the Social Host Law applies. M.G.L. c. 138, s. 34

Will my homeowner’s policy cover the costs of litigation and any judgment against me or my child?

You may or may not be covered, especially if the underage drinker causes injury or death by use of an automobile. Many insurance policies do not cover situations where criminal conduct is involved.

 

Alcohol and Your Child’s Future

A criminal or juvenile record can prevent a person from getting a job or joining the military. Making bad decisions about alcohol can jeopardize involvement in school activities, sports or clubs; college admissions; and financial aid.

Alcohol and the Brain

The brain does not fully develop until a person is over the age of 20.

Drinking alcohol during adolescence damages parts of the brain responsible for:

> Decision-making

> Self-control

> Memory and Learning


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