What is Social Hosting?
A social host is an adult who, with or without knowledge, hosts underage drinking on property that he or she owns, leases, or otherwise controls.
Why do Parents Choose to Social Host?
Parents may feel that their children are safer if they drink under parental supervision, but this still holds parents legally responsible. Other potential examples of social hosts include parents who are not home when their teenage child hosts a party that involves alcohol, parents who are present but deny any knowledge of the drinking that occurred on their property, and owners of a vacant property that is the setting of underage drinking.
What are the Consequences of Social Hosting?
Texas has strict laws against providing, serving or furnishing alcohol to a minor, which is a Class A misdemeanor and punishable by:
- A fine of up to $4,000
- Confinement in jail for up to a year
- Driver’s license suspended for 180 days upon conviction
- Thousands of dollars spent in attorney fees for defense
How to respond when your teenager asks you to Host an Underage Drinking Party:
