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Hosting Teens and Alcohol in Galveston County: The Legal Risks 
As a parent in Galveston County, you may think that hosting a get-together for your teen and their friends is harmless, but if alcohol is involved, you could be opening yourself up to serious legal trouble. Under Texas law, it is illegal for any adult to knowingly provide alcohol to a minor, and there are additional laws that hold parents and guardians accountable in cases where they permit or fail to prevent underage drinking. Texas law is crystal clear: if you are a parent hosting a party with minors in your home, and alcohol is being consumed, you could be found guilty of providing alcohol to minors. This law exists to prevent the tragic consequences that often arise from underage drinking, including alcohol poisoning, driving under the influence, or engagement in dangerous behavior. It is essential that parents in Galveston County understand that they have a significant legal responsibility when it comes to hosting minors, particularly when alcohol is involved. Let’s break down some of the key legal issues surrounding this topic. What Does the Law Say About Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor?
Under Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, Section 106.06, it is a criminal offense for an adult to provide alcohol to anyone under the legal drinking age of 21. Even if the minor consumes the alcohol in your home without your knowledge, you could still be held responsible. The law doesn’t just apply to offering a drink to a minor directly; it also includes allowing minors to consume alcohol in your home, even if you’re not serving it. If you are aware that minors are drinking, and you don’t intervene, you could face serious criminal charges. This law exists because of the high risks minors face when they consume alcohol, including driving under the influence, poor decision-making, and the potential for accidents.The Zendeh Del & Associates, PLLC Team
Penalties for Parents Hosting Parties with Alcohol and Minors
The penalties for providing alcohol to minors, or for permitting minors to drink in your home, are steep and can have lasting consequences. In Galveston County, and across Texas, parents can face:- A fine of up to $4,000 for providing alcohol to a minor or failing to stop minors from drinking in their home.
- Up to one year in jail, or even longer, depending on the circumstances.
- Probation for a certain period, which can impact your employment, reputation, and your family life.
- Civil liability if a minor is injured or causes injury while intoxicated at your party.
Parental Liability for Alcohol-Related Incidents
If alcohol is served at a party and a minor gets into trouble, such as being involved in a car accident or engaging in criminal behavior, the hosting parent may be held financially responsible for the damages that result. Even if a minor leaves your party and later causes harm, Texas law allows for civil action against parents who fail to prevent underage drinking.Client
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- Medical bills or funeral expenses if a minor is injured or killed due to alcohol-related incidents.
- Punitive damages if it is found that the parent was negligent in preventing alcohol consumption.
- Legal fees for defending against the lawsuit, which can be significant.
What Constitutes “Permitting” Alcohol Consumption by a Minor?
“Permitting” alcohol consumption means allowing minors to drink, whether or not you directly provide the alcohol. This includes the following:- Not intervening when you see a minor with alcohol at your party.
- Turning a blind eye to underage drinking, assuming that it is not your responsibility.
- Not taking action to stop a minor from bringing alcohol into your home or consuming it.
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How to Protect Yourself as a Parent Hosting Teen Parties
While it is tempting to allow your teen to have friends over for a social event, there are steps you can take to ensure that you are not putting yourself at legal risk.- Set Clear Rules About Alcohol Consumption One of the best ways to avoid legal trouble is to make it clear from the start that there will be no alcohol at your party. If your child’s friends ask to bring alcohol, politely refuse and explain your concerns about both the legal and safety risks.
- Supervise the Party Closely Make sure there is adequate adult supervision throughout the event. If you are hosting a gathering for your child and their friends, ensure that the rules are strictly enforced. This will show that you are actively involved and committed to creating a safe environment for your teen’s friends.
- Communicate with the Parents of Other Teens If your teen is inviting friends over, it’s important to know the parents of the other kids. If any of the invited teens bring alcohol to the party, it’s important to address it right away.
- Consider Alcohol-Free Events While many teens might expect alcohol at parties, offering alternatives such as non-alcoholic beverages, games, and fun activities is a great way to keep the event safe and enjoyable without the risk of underage drinking.
- Educate Your Teen About the Consequences Talk to your teen about the serious consequences of drinking before the legal age. Explain that while it may seem like a fun and harmless way to spend time with friends, the legal, personal, and health risks far outweigh any short-term enjoyment.