SOCIAL HOST LAW
Nassau County’s Social Host Law
In both Nassau and Suffolk County, pursuant to their social host laws, it is illegal for anyone over age 18 who owns or rents a home to “knowingly allow the consumption of alcohol or alcoholic beverages by any minor” on the premises. … In Nassau, violation of this law also constitutes a misdemeanor.Apr 24, 2018
The facts behind Nassau’s Social Host Law
Nassau’s social host was signed into law by County Executive Thomas Suozzi on July 17, 2007.
It was meant to deter minors – anyone under 21 – from drinking at private homes, particularly at house parties, by making adults over 18 responsible for drinking at premises they own, rent “or otherwise control.”
It applies to private homes, apartments or “other dwelling unit of any kind, including yards and open areas adjacent thereto.”
The adults will be held responsible if it can be shown they knew of the drinking and failed to take action, such as telling the drinker to stop or leave the premises, or by calling police, or by referring it to another adult “having a greater degree of authority over the conduct of such minor.”
Violators are subject to misdemeanor penalties of a fine up $250 for a first offense, $500 for a second offense, and a fine up to $1,000 and a year in jail for a third offense.
The law does not apply to the consumption of alcohol by a minor whose parent or guardian is present and who has expressly allowed the drinking, or a minor using alcohol for religious purposes.
Source: NEWSDAY STAFF WRITER
