Suozzi Signs ‘Social Host’ Law to Put the Brakes on Underage Drinking
New Law Will Hold Hosts Accountable for Allowing Minors to Drink Alcohol at Private Parties; Alcohol a Factor in Nearly Half of Teen Crashes
Mineola, N.Y. – Adults who allow underage drinking in their homes can now be held criminally responsible under the “social host” law signed today by Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi.
Homeowners and renters aged 18 and older can be punished under the law, which carries a $250 fine for a first offense and $500 for a second. A third offense is punishable by a $1,000 fine, plus possible jail time.
“Alcohol is a factor in nearly half of all teen car crashes and more than two-thirds of teen suicides,” Suozzi said. “In fact, drinking kills 6.5 times more young people than all illegal drugs combined. Adults who look the other way while their children engage in this dangerous behavior will now be held accountable.”
Close to 50% of teens nationwide reported having attended parties where alcohol was served and parents were present. In local surveys, 70% of high school seniors reported drinking at house parties.
“Some adults believe underage drinking is just part of growing up, and therefore think it is acceptable to give alcohol to underage people,” said Legislator Dave Mejias (D-North Massapequa), sponsor of the bill. “But this law will send a clear message to adults that providing alcohol to underage youth is not acceptable and it’s against the law.”
“By allowing underage drinking to go on in their homes, parents are making life and death decisions not only for their child, but also for someone else’s,” said Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice. “That is inexcusable.”
“Underage drinking is a national health epidemic, not a ‘rite of passage,’” said Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury). “Social host legislation holds those who allow underage drinking accountable.”
The law, modeled on a year-old Long Beach bill, was passed unanimously by the County Legislature on July 9. Similar social host laws are on the in City of Glen Cove; the Village of Amityville; San Diego, CA; Marin County, CA; Ventura, CA, and the states of Virginia and Nebraska.
Nassau County’s social host law does make one exception; adults may give minors alcohol for religious ceremonies, such as Passover seders.
