Social Hosting: Underage Minors
Many teenagers and other underage minors choose to consume alcohol. Some parents mistakenly believe that providing a “safe place” for their teenager and his or her friends to drink is better than letting them drink elsewhere. When you allow your teen to drink under your roof you become a social host. Things can quickly get out of control when alcohol is being consumed; someone may get injured on the premises or drive away and injure themselves or someone else in a drunken car accident and you could be held liable.
Most underage drinkers get their alcohol from social sources such as parents, siblings, and friends at parties and other social gatherings. Some states and local communities including Washington have taken steps to hold liable those people who provide or serve alcohol to minors or allow drinking on their property.