Most youths who obtain alcohol do not get it from irresponsible retailers or by using fake identification. The majority of alcohol consumed by minors is provided by consenting adults, often by parents and parents of friends. Adults must understand the risks of providing alcohol to minors. Social host laws, a growing trend throughout California, hold adults responsible when minors consume alcoholic beverages on their property. The ordinances, sometimes referred to as “teen party ordinances” or “social responsibility ordinances”, are a response to the far-reaching possible consequences of underage drinking, including DUI accidents and crashes, violence and sexual assault, and alcohol poisoning and dependency. Thousands of 911 calls are generated every year due to underage drinking parties. Social host liability laws are enacted to deter underage drinking parties by holding parents and other adults criminally and financially responsible for the consequences.

Facts about Underage Drinking

The website socialhost.org dispels the myth that alcohol is relatively harmless for minors compared to illegal drugs. In comparison to young people who wait to drink until they are 21, minors who drink before age 15 are 12 times more likely to suffer an unintentional injury while intoxicated. Additionally, youth are 10 times more likely to be involved in a physical fight while intoxicated, and 7 times more likely to be involved in a car crash while intoxicated. Underage alcohol consumption is also linked to physical violence, depression, suicide, poor performance in school, unwanted pregnancy and risky sexual behavior. Drinking alcohol early is also associated with greater problems with alcohol in adulthood.

Social Host Ordinances in California

Many cities and counties have social host ordinances. In San Diego County, the first social host ordinance was introduced in the fall of 2002 in the city of Poway. Since then, many other parts of San Diego County adopted social responsibility ordinances, including Escondido, Oceanside, San Marcos, Vista, and Carlsbad, as well as Poway, Encinitas, La Mesa, El Cajon, Santee, the City of San Diego and the unincorporated areas of San Diego County. The laws vary from city to city, with varying penalties and fines. It is important to understand though, in addition to a fine and possible community service, parents, property owners, and other hosts may be held civilly liable for the injuries and deaths caused by underage drinkers. Typically, adults may be held responsible regardless of whether they are home during the party or not. A party is generally considered any gathering of three or more persons assembling for a social occasion or social activity.

Protecting the Rights of DUI Accident Victims

At Estey Bomberger, we are advocates for victims of DUI accidents, and we believe drunk drivers and adults that furnish minors with alcohol must be held responsible. If you or a loved one was injured in an alcohol-related accident caused by an underage drunk driver, it is important to determine the source of the alcohol and who provided it to the minor. The adult that provided the alcohol – whether it is a parent, a friend’s parent, or another adult over the age of 21 – may be held liable for injuries sustained in a car accident, including medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. In cases of fatal DUI accidents, family members of victims may be entitled to compensation for final medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, anticipated future lifetime earnings and benefits of the victim, and loss of love, care, companionship, and protection.

For more information, contact Estey Bomberger today to talk to an experienced attorney about your potential case. Our law firm can be reached 24 hours a day at (800) 784-9180 or via our case evaluation request form. We can arrange to investigate an accident and the source of alcohol provided to an underage drunk driver. All consultations are free, with no obligation. You will not pay any attorney fees unless we obtain compensation for your case.