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New York Panel Proposes Social-Host Law
September 19, 2008

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News Summary

New York's Advisory Council on Underage Alcohol Consumption wants to set first-offense fines at $250 for adults hosting an underage drinking party, Newsday reported Sept.19.

Thirty-two states already have some sort of "social host" legislation in place, and some counties in New York have already implemented their own laws.

The council is preparing a separate proposal with the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) to amend the current penal law to prohibit anyone 18 years or older from allowing underaged people to consume alcohol in their residence.

The moves precede the Council's report on recommendations to reduce underage alcohol consumption, to be issued next month.

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:
(Comments now appear first to last)

Posted by Sareva Greenhaw on 22 Sep 08 10:22 AM EDT
I'm glad to see this. I have been working on Social Host policy in Oklahoma since the 2004 death of my 16 year old son Cody Ryan Greenhaw in a social host situation. Cody's Law passed in 2006 and we are working hard to further strengthen it. The date this was reported in Newsday, September 19, was the day my son passed away 4 years ago. It's bitter sweet for me as a mom who's lost her son to the practice of Social Hosting, but I know lives are being saved. Thank you.

Posted by John from Oceanside on 22 Sep 08 05:52 PM EDT
We have passed Social Host Laws is 14 of the 16 cities in San Diego County. What we have found out is that the cities who do inforce the law, the Judges who get the cases are reducing the fines and it is just a slap on the hand. Now the City of Ventura has been using Civil Penalties and it has had great results. The City Attorney asses the fines and it never goes through the Court System.

Posted by Walter F. Wouk on 09 May 09 12:51 PM EDT
So, if this becomes law, an 18, 19 or 20-year old Iraq War veteran who provides beer to a fellow 18, 19 or 20-year old war veteran -- in their own home -- can be arrested for under-age drinking, unlawfully dealing with a minor, and violating the "social host law" as well.

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