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Health & Fitness

What You Need to Know About the Updated CT State Social Host (House Party) Law

As of October 1st the CT Social Host (underage drinking house party) Law has changed.

Changes to CT’s Social Host (House Party) Law:

Did you know?

As of October 1st the CT Social Host (underage drinking house party) Law has changed. Penalties for hosting have increased from a simple infraction ($146 fine) to a class A misdemeanor. This means that if you are caught for either allowing minors to drink on your property, or not making a reasonable attempt to stop it you could face fines up to $2,000 up to 1 year in prison or both. It’s also important to remember that a teen can be charged with hosting if they are the one exercising control of the property. 

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The law was changed back in 2006 to close a loophole in existing state statutes. It also made it illegal for minors to consume alcohol on private property. The only exemptions under this law were minors consuming alcohol under the direct orders of a physician, for religious practices, or when accompanied by their parent, legal guardian, or spouse over the age of 21.

From the latest Madison youth survey results (November 2011) we know that:

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  • 43% of our students in grades 7-12 reported attending a party where underage people were consuming alcohol
  • 16% of our students in grades 7-12 reported obtaining alcohol from parties where adults were aware of the drinking.
  • 19.3% of our students in grades 7-12 reported obtaining alcohol from parties where adults were not aware of the drinking.
  • 23.3% of our students in grades 7-12 reported obtaining alcohol from parties where no adults were present. 

 

Providing a place for underage drinking is illegal. It’s also irresponsible. Let’s build a strong, healthy community for our youth and do right by them. If you have any questions about the law change, please contact us at M.A.D.E. in Madison: (203) 245-5694 or bardenc@madisonct.org

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