New York State’s Social Host Law
Have you heard about New York State’s Social Host Law? The Social Host Law liability targets individuals 18 years of age and older who provide or knowingly allow consumption of any type of alcoholic beverages to a person under 21 years of age without taking reasonable corrective action. Under this law, if an individual sustains damages or injuries as a result of intoxication, the host has liability.
Reasonable corrective action should be taken to stop the consumption of alcoholic beverages to a person under 21 years of age. This includes making a demand of the minor to forfeit the alcoholic beverage and stop further consumption of alcoholic beverages or leave the premises. If the minor does not comply with these requests, the host has the obligation to promptly report such underage consumption of alcohol to the local law enforcement agency or to any other person having greater authority over the minor.
Any individual who violates the Social Host Law can be subjected to fines as well as a misdemeanor criminal charge including jail time.
The Law Offices of Michael H. Ricca represents individuals throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties. To learn more about New York State’s Social Host Law or if you have been charged with such violating the Social Host Law contact our attorneys at (516) 500-1647 for your free telephone consultation or visit us online at www.NassauCountyTrafficLawyer.com and complete our legal consultation form.