Norwell: Parents warned–responsible underage drinking doesn’t exist

While parents may believe they’re providing a safe place for their child and their friends to drink alcohol when they let them drink in their homes, the Social Host Liability says otherwise– it can result in one year imprisonment, a $2,000 fine, or both.

Thursday night, Attorney Brandon Arber from Campbell Trial Lawyers explained to Norwell residents that just because you don’t supply the alcohol doesn’t mean you’re not responsible, “Criminal side of things, you can be subject to prosecution for simply allowing drinking to go on, on your property.”

Arber further stated charges are no different for a minor who allows another minor to drink at their home.

Norwell resident Kevin Burns has two teenagers in high school and said he oversees their Facebook accounts for signs of underage drinking, “They know that if they go to have it, then we’re going to have their password for it so that tends to keep them from posting anything that we would find inappropriate.”

Other charges that a ‘social host’ can be liable for: contributing to the delinquency of a minor, reckless endangerment, and manslaughter.

Arber warned parents to be particularly mindful in the upcoming weeks during prom and graduation events.

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