INFORMATION ON SOCIAL HOST LAW ~ Reducing Underage Drinking

Underage alcohol use is a serious issue impacting communities across New York State.  

Adults play a role when they sell or serve alcohol to youth under the age of 21, when they host parties      
where young people are drinking, and when they condone underage alcohol use.  Every community,         
neighborhood and family should be concerned about alcohol use by youth under 21 because it is              
associated with the three most common causes of teenage deaths: accidental deaths, homicides and        
suicides as reported in the 2003 National Survey of Parents.  In addition, the Substance Abuse and           
Mental Health Services Administration reports that higher levels of alcohol use are associated with             
unplanned or unprotected sexual activity among adolescents, posing increased risk for teen pregnancy     
and sexually transmitted diseases including HIV.  Alcohol use and higher levels of use among                     
adolescents is associated with poor grades, absenteeism and higher school drop-out rates.

One strategy being considered by many communities in New York State combat underage drinking is to     
limit access to alcohol by putting in place a Social Host Ordinance.  
   WHAT IS A COMMUNITY
SOCIAL HOST ORDINANCE?

The ordinance is a law that will hold   
anyone 16 years of age and older,    
accountable for allowing alcohol to     
be served to minors on their               
premises.   
WHAT DOES THIS LAW DO?

This law makes it a violation to allow
alcohol to be served to underage
drinker on the premises.  It is a
violation – just like a ticket with a
fine of up to $250 and/or combined
with a stay of up to 15 days in jail.

ARE THERE MANY COMMUNITIES IN NEW YORK STATE WITH A SOCIAL HOST ORDINANCE IN PLACE?

At present, there are 14 communities in New York State that have adopted a Social Host Ordinance with
Little Falls being the first municipality in Herkimer County to vote the Ordinance in place on August 7, 2007.
If you would like to more about Social Hosting and what you or your community can do to support  
this statewide effort to protect our young people from the dangers and risk associated with       
alcohol, please call the Prevention Council at 315-894-8080 to schedule a free presentation.
Underage drinking is the NUMBER ONE lethal drug in New York State.

It is NOT a minor problem!
                                                        
                                                     WHAT IS SOCIAL HOSTING?

Social hosting is providing and/or serving alcohol to a young person who is under the minimum drinking       
age of 21.  It can take place in a party-like setting or by any adult simply providing alcohol to teenagers       
and their peers for them to drink.  It can even extend to parents and homeowners who are not on the           
premises and/or did not provide the alcohol.