The Social Host Law

By Shari Einhorn

"They're teenagers -- of course they're going to drink.  I'd rather have them drink at my house so I know where they are."

If you've HEARD this -- or if you've SAID this -- be forewarned.  You as the parent -- or person of adult age -- can be held accountable for any and all underage drinking in your home...whether you know about it or not!

Both Nassau and Suffolk counties have passed what's called the Social Host Law.   You will face fines of up to $1,000.00 and possible jail time.

Click here to read Suffolk's law.

Click here to read Nassau's law.  

One Hicksville mother of 3 told me, "I'm not going to get in trouble for something my kid is doing, especially when they're not supposed to be doing it."

But plenty of others have already gotten in trouble...3 in Suffolk and 18 in Nassau.  The most recent arrest was in Suffolk. 

Police say 53 year old Clare Gude of West Islip allowed minors to drink alcohol at a house party Saturday night.  One of the teens drinking at the party -- a 15 year old -- was later rushed to the hospital.  Police say she was suffering from alcohol poisoning.

Some parents may be aware of what's going on and not want to "be the bad guy." Others might think it's not that big of a deal. 

Here's what Marge Lee, an anti drunk driving activist, says about that:  "As adults we need to set the example.  It's against the law to drink if you're underage.  Obey the law.  Because if you're going to ignore this law, then how important are any of the other ones?"

She makes an interesting point -- doesn't she?

Shari

 

Comments

[SUSAN L.RUDNICK]

WE TELL OUR CHILDREN THAT WE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR WELL BEING 24/7 .WE TELL THEM THERE ARE RULES PUT INTO LAW TO PROTECT THEM AS CHILDREN.THESE RULES/LAWS HOPEFULLY WILL PROTECT THEM AGAINST PEER PRESSURES UNTIL THEY ARE OF LEGAL ADULT AGE TO MAKE SOUND DECISIONS .CHILDREN ARE THRUST INTO BECOMING ADULTS IN SO MANY ASPECTS NOW ADAYS IT'S MIND BOGGLING.IT'S NOT COOL TO HANG OUT AND TALK WITH YOUR PARENTS AT THE DINNER TABLE .IT'S NOT COOL TO GO TO YOUR HOUSE OF WORSHIP WITH YOUR FAMILY .IT'S NOT COOL TO DRESS APPROPRIATELY WITH SELF RESPECT.THESE ARE LESSONS HOPEFULLY PARENTS,AND GUARDIANS ARE INSTILLING IN OUR YOUNG PEOPLE.I REMEMBER DANCE CLASSES,GYMNASTICS,KARATE LESSONS,GIRL AND BOY SCOUT MEETINGS AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS ETC.THANK GOD MY FOUR CHILDREN KNEW AND STILL KNOW HOW MUCH THEY ARE VALUED AND LOVED.SUSAN L.RUDNICK

[John]

My concern about these laws is the legislation of personal behavior and morality. While I don't support underage drinking, laws like this are part of that "slippery slope." It's not really the business of the county what I feed my guests.

You do realize that, if you cook with wine, not all of it boils off, right? Which means that any parent who made gravy from scratch at Thanksgiving probably violated the Social Host law. Think about that for a while.

And are we next going to arrest/fine parents who refuse to give their children vaccines or mood-altering drugs? What about parents of smokers? Smoking is a big deal, after all. Parents of fat kids? Obesity's an epidemic, I'm told constantly. What if the kids are on the phone too long? Or not doing their homework?

Maybe we should teach kids to be responsible for their own actions, rather than making it seem like the world will come to an end if they ever have a beer. Then maybe--just maybe--they'll act responsibly when the opportunity to drink arises instead of caving to curiousity and peer pressure.