TRUMBULL'S PREVENTION PARTNERSHIP

Connecticut's Social Host law helps prevent underage substance use by holding people criminally liable for underage drinking and/or cannabis use that occurs in their homes. In addition to criminal penalties, hosts may be held civilly liable. It's important to note that the law does not set a minimum age to be considered a host; young people may also be charged, such as in the case of teenagers who throw a party while their parents are out of town.

 

Under the Social Host Law it is illegal to:

• Give minors access to alcohol or cannabis at your home

• Serve alcohol or cannabis to minors in your home

• Allow a party or event at your home where someone else will provide minors with alcohol or cannabis

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​The financial and legal consequences for hosts can be catastrophic - not to mention the potential for grave harm to youth. To protect yourself and keep kids safe, CT's Southeastern Regional Action Council (SERAC) offers these suggestions:

• Don't allow underage drinking, explicitly or implicitly.

  • Never host parties or gatherings where alcohol, cannabis, or other substances are served to minors.

  • Never give permission for minors to drink alcohol or use cannabis on your property—and never turn a blind eye when you suspect it may be happening.

• Set house rules.

  • Establish a house rule that no one under age 21 is allowed to use alcohol or cannabis.

  • Let kids know what the consequence will be if they break this rule—and stick to it.

• Keep substances locked up.

  • Store alcohol and cannabis in a securely locked cabinet, safe, or box.

  • Keep the key somewhere hidden or inaccessible.

  • Properly dispose of any cannabis waste by mixing it with food scraps or other waste material, and then putting the mixture in the trash.

• Create some structure.

  • If your child wants to host a party, help them plan an event around a theme, with activities to keep everyone occupied.

  • Schedule activities for the summer months (when most teens try alcohol for the first time) to prevent large blocks of unsupervised free time.

• Stay engaged.

  • Discuss the risks of substance use early and often with adolescents and teens.

  • Get to know the parents of your child’s friends, and make sure they’re aware that your child does not have your approval to drink or use cannabis.

  • When your child hosts a party or has friends over, remain at home and check in often.