When I was 16-years old, my friend’s “cool” parents allowed us to “party” in their basement Rec Room. They justified their progressive parenting style by claiming, “Teens will drink and experiment with drugs – at least we know they’re safe under our roof.” It was the 1970s and the world was different, people were different and underage drinking laws were different.  Today, the “kids will be kids” defense will most likely not stand up in court.

Adults Will Be Adults

In the last several decades, laws governing underage drinking in Maryland have become more rigorous, casting a wider net of responsibility to the parents and legal guardians of teen offenders. States have enacted stiffer social host liability ordinances in an effort to curb the epidemic of binge drinking and drunk driving deaths among young people.

What is Social Host Liability?

Social host liability is a statute that assigns criminal or civil liability to adults serving alcohol to minors in a non-commercial setting. If anyone under 21 years of age consumes or possesses alcohol while in an adult’s home or surrounding area, the adult(s) may be assigned responsibility if damage or injury results. In the State of Maryland, this statute not only applies to minors, but extends to the intoxication of adult guests as well.

What Are The Legal Ramifications For Parents Regarding Underage Drinking in Maryland? 

Essentially, if you serve alcohol (or turn a blind eye to teens drinking on your property) and someone is injured or killed as a direct result of your lack of supervision, you could potentially face legal and financial liability and, in more serious cases, criminal negligence.

Bad Things Happen To Good Teens

We know all too well that bad things happen when teens and alcohol mix. The following are three tragic scenarios to illustrate the seriousness of underage drinking in Maryland and why you should go to great lengths to keep it from happening on your watch:

  • A 16-year old boy sneaks a drink at your party, gets into a vehicle and hurts or kills himself or others;
  • A teenager drinks in excess and ends up in the emergency room from alcohol poisoning; or
  • A young woman is sexually assaulted while in an extremely intoxicated state.

Parents Sobering Guidelines

The following are some things you can do to reduce the risk of underage drinking and its devastating consequences:

  • Never buy alcohol and serve it at parties attended by minors.
  • Implement a “bag and car key check” to avoid kids sneaking alcohol into your home.
  • Hire a designated authority figure to supervise and monitor teen activity.
  • Require minors be picked up by their parents or arrange for teens to sleep overnight.
  • Have the party at a restaurant or other event venue shifting liability from your shoulders to the restaurant owner’s.
  • Plan for the worst and purchase an umbrella policy for your home.

Be A Parent, Not A Friend

Word to the wise: Don’t leave your teenager home alone when you go out of town. You’ll be running the risk of returning to find broken beer bottles on the lawn and a policeman in your living room. The very definition of a teenager is “the distinct lack of judgment and the propensity to engage in risky behavior”. Don’t stick your head in the sand. Be hyper-responsible to protect your kids and their friends – you’ll be protecting their bright futures and yours as well.