No One’s House Is a Safe Place for Allowing Teen Alcohol Consumption

Allowing underage drinking at your home can have serious consequences. With the arrival of summer, the West Haven Prevention Council (WHPC) are reminding adults that it's against the law to allow anyone under age 21 to possess alcohol or cannabis on their premises. Connecticut passed its Social Host or “House Party” Law in 2012, making the property owner fully responsible for any underage drinking on their property regardless of whether they were aware of it or not. This law was expanded in 2021 to include cannabis.

A “host” is anyone who owns, rents, or controls property. Under this law, if a “host” allows underage drinking or cannabis use on their property, they will face legal consequences. A first violation can result in a fine of up to $2,000 and up to one year in jail. If the host is found to have provided the alcohol or cannabis, they could face up to 18 months in jail alongside a felony conviction. Beyond just what happens at your home, you may be held liable for any injuries or damage caused by providing a minor with alcohol- no matter where that occurs.

In West Haven, 29% of teens who drink alcohol get it from their own home without parent's permission, a statistic that highlights the profound need for increased supervision over alcohol in households. In some homes, alcohol is left in plain sight or in easily accessible locations, creating an environment where it is readily available and vulnerable to misuse. While the first step in preventing youth alcohol consumption is simply to store alcohol in an inaccessible place, there are additional measures that can be taken. For example, West Haven Prevention Council offers alcohol strip labels that go over the tops of alcohol bottles. These labels serve as a tamper-evident measure: if the label is torn, it indicates the bottle has been opened. This simple yet effective tool allows parents to monitor whether their child has accessed alcohol.

Here are some helpful tips for parents this summer:

1. Plan plenty of engaging substance-free games and activities in advance

2. Keep the party small. Make sure that there is at least one adult for every 10 teens - you can recruit your neighbors or other parents for help!

3. Stick to the guest list. Don't allow "party crashers" to join in!

4. Have set party rules. A few are non-negotiable: absolutely no alcohol or drug use, leave the lights on at all times, and make sure nobody leaves the party and tries to re-enter.

5. Have LOTS of non-alcoholic beverages and snacks available.

6. Be watchful, but don't hover. Find a discrete place to oversee the party where you can ensure safety without getting in the way of the fun.

7. Lock up any liquor in your home.

8. Talk with your teens' friends parents and let them know your rules and that you do not allow any underage drinking in your home.

Talking with Your Kids About Underage Drinking

As a parent or trusted adult, your voice matters. It is important to talk and be open with your child as they begin to grow. Teach them the laws and make sure they understand the consequences of underage drinking.

One of the most influential factors during a child’s adolescence is maintaining a strong, open relationship with a parent or trusted adult especially when it comes to decisions about alcohol use. When parents create supportive and nurturing environments, children make better decisions. Though it may not always seem like it, children really hear their parents’ concerns, which is why it’s important that parents discuss the risks of using alcohol and other drugs.

Some things to consider when making the decision of when to talk about underage alcohol use:

It’s Better to Talk Before Children Are Exposed to Alcohol and Other Drugs

If you talk to your kids directly and honestly, they are more likely to respect your rules and advice about alcohol and drug use.

Some Children May Try Alcohol or Other Drugs at a Very Young Age

It is never too early to talk to your children about alcohol and other drugs. Children as young as nine years old already start viewing alcohol in a more positive way, and approximately 3,300 kids as young as 12 try marijuana each day.

The Older Kids Get, the More Likely They’ll Try Alcohol or Other Drugs

About 10 percent of 12-year-olds say they have tried alcohol, but by age 15, that number jumps to 50 percent.

Not Talking About Alcohol and Other Drugs Still Sends Kids a Message

Kids don’t always have all the facts when it comes to alcohol and other drugs. If parents don’t talk about the risks of underage drinking and substance use, their kids might not see any harm in trying alcohol and other substances.

You can learn more about the CT Social Host Law at: https://portal.ct.gov/OPM/CJ-JJYD/Program-Underage-Drink/SettheRulesCT-About