During the holiday party season Greenwich Police issued a reminder about Connecticut’s Social Host Laws.
Connecticut has enacted several social host laws that make it a crime to “knowingly or recklessly permit any minor to possess alcohol.”
The law was passed in 2012 to broaden and strengthen efforts to prevent under-aged drinking by holding parents and other adults liable (CGS 30-89a).
In 2021, when adult use cannabis was legalized, the law was expanded to include cannabis (CGS 21a-421ccc).
Anyone who owns, rents, or controls a property whether it is indoors or outdoors where a party or gathering is held is considered a “host” under this law. This includes homeowners, landowners, parents, and guardians. Even young people who throw a party while their parents are out of town can be considered as a host and be charged under this law.
Greenwich Police added that hosts can be charged with a class A misdemeanor and receive a fine up to $2,000 and up to one year in jail.
If it is found that the host has provided alcohol to minors they face a class E felony punishable by a fine up to $3,500 and 18 months in jail.
Additionally, hosts may also be held civilly liable for injuries, accidents, or incidents resulting from under-aged intoxication from drinking or cannabis.