It comes as no surprise that in Connecticut it is against the law for a person 20 years old or younger to possess alcohol or to consume alcohol. However, the state’s laws go beyond the actions of any minor person involved and may also include what may be called a social host. A social host is someone of legal drinking age who may either provide alcohol to a minor or at least be aware of a minor’s possession of alcohol.
What Classifies a Social Host in CT
As explained by the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids and the Treatment Research Institute, a social host may be an individual but it may also be a company or association. The state makes it illegal for any social host to permit a person under the age of 21 from being in possession of alcohol on any private property including a house, apartment or other private residence.
When Can Social Hosts be Held Liable in Connecticut
In addition to making it a crime to allow a minor to have alcohol on a private property location, the State of Connecticut laws outine that it is also illegal for another person or entity to attempt to intervene and stop a minor from possessing alcohol. In other words, knowing that a minor is in possession of alcohol and doing nothing about it may result in criminal allegations.
A first offense that violates the state’s social host laws may be treated as an infraction. Subsequent offenses may be charged as misdemeanors and defendants may be subject to time in prison or jail, financial penalties or both if they are convicted.
