Don’t be party to underage drinking
Washington State has a strict “Social Host” law. A social host is anyone who hosts or allows a party, gathering, or event where minors are consuming alcoholic beverages.
Don’t forget…
It is illegal to give alcohol to your child’s friends who are under 21.
It is illegal to permit minors to consume alcohol on property that you own, which includes your boat, motor home, undeveloped property, cabin, automobile, rental property, or house. Parents can be arrested and criminally charged for providing a place for minors to consume alcohol.
You can be liable….
- If an un-chaperoned party takes place on your property where underage drinking occurs. “But I wasn’t there!” will not work. You can be held responsible for negligent supervision.
- If intentional acts such as vandalism, fist fights, date rape, even possibly the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. (There is no insurance coverage to cover such actions)
Remind your underage son or daughter…
- If they are found to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of only .02, they are guilty of a gross misdemeanor (which is punishable by up to one year in jail and a $5,000 fine) and their driver’s license will be suspended.
- If they attend a party where there is alcohol, even if they don’t drink, they can be charged with minor in possession and can lose their driver’s license for one year.
- If they are found to be guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol with a BAC of .08 or impaired driving that can be attributed to alcohol consumption, they will
- serve up to one year but at least one day in jail
- pay fines up to $5,000
- pay for and undergo an alcohol evaluation
- see your auto insurance skyrocket
- be on probation for up to 5 years
For the exact wording of the laws pertaining to these issues, visit the laws section of our website.
