It’s that time of year again!

Proms, Graduations, Weddings, Birthday Celebrations, BBQs…………………….

When the warmer weather gets here, we will be ready to join in the festivities!

At Herlihy Insurance Group we like to remind our host and hostesses about Social Host Laws.

Our point is not to get all legal on you, but rather for you and your family to consider a few facts when you are hosting an event.

You can check out this link, or review a few questions and answers that many clients ask:

 

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

 

We wish all our friends and families a safe celebrating season. Please be safe out there!!