Social Host Ordinance & FAQs

One step in deterring underage drinking in Meeker County

MAPP recently worked with various organizations to help adopt a Social Host Ordinance in both the city of Litchfield and Meeker County. Below are some commonly asked questions including an explanation of what a Social Host Ordinance is, why one has been enacted, and more.

What is the Social Host Ordinance?

The Social Host ordinance holds individuals (social hosts) criminally responsible for hosting or allowing a party, on public or private property, where persons under the age of 21 possess or consume alcohol, regardless of who supplied the alcohol to the minors.

The Social Host Ordinance applies to situations where the social host knows or reasonably should know that alcohol is being possessed or consumed by persons under the age of 21 at their residence or premises or at any event they host, whether on public or private property, AND the social host fails to take reasonable steps to prevent possession or consumption by those under the age of 21. Exceptions include:

  • Individuals cannot be charged if they did not know about the underage drinking party.
  • Parents cannot be charged for allowing or permitting alcohol use by their own child while present in their own household.
  • This ordinance does not apply to legally protected religious observances.
  • This ordinance does not apply to licensed liquor-serving establishments, which are already covered by MN Statute 340A.503.
  • Individuals cannot be charged if they take steps to prevent underage drinking once they realize it is occurring.
  • Individuals cannot be charged if the person under the age of 21 sneaks alcohol that is available for adults at a party.

See the following categories for other frequently asked questions:

Social Host Ordinance

Minors & Responsibilities

Enforcement

Prevention

The Litchfield Area Rural Partners in Prevention is currently working with local agencies to educate the public about the recently enacted Social Host Ordinance in our area.

Click here to download a Social Host Ordinance Fact sheet that can be printed or emailed and shared.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please contact Local Law Enforcement or Meeker County Public Health at 320.693.5380.

 

Social Host Ordinance

Why was a Social Host Ordinance enacted for Meeker County?
How many communities in MN have Social Host Ordinance?
Does the city or county have the authority under state law to adopt a Social Host Ordinance?
Who supports enacting a Social Host Ordinance?

Minors & Responsibilities

I want young people to be safe. Isn’t it better to provide a place for minors to drink if they’re going to do it anyway?
Isn’t it already illegal for kids to drink alcohol? Don’t existing state laws cover this?
Can a “Social Host” be under the age of 21?
Does a Social Host Ordinance make it illegal for parents to give alcohol to their own children?
Will I be held responsible if I am away for the weekend and my kids have a party at my home or if someone under the age of 21 sneaks beer out of my refrigerator or cooler?
I own many acres in Meeker County for farming or hunting. If youth trespass on my property to party, could I be charged under this ordinance?
I own a bar in Meeker County. A minor who was not served by our staff sneaks alcohol that was served legally to someone over 21. Could I be charged under this ordinance.
What happens if I find underage drinkers at a party I’m hosting?
What if I’m upstairs sleeping and my child and his friends sneak booze into the house. Am I responsible?
I’m an organizer of a community event. If underage drinking occurs at this event, will I be held responsible?
Will I be held responsible if I’m out of town and told my teens not to throw a party?
Are their exceptions for graduation parties or other celebrations?
What if I just “don’t know” what my kid was doing with his/her friends

Enforcement

Can law enforcement enter my house without permission?
Will this violate my property rights?
Is the Social Host Ordinance enforceable within incorporated areas (cities)?
Who will enforce the ordinance and what are the penalties?

Prevention

If I host a party where alcohol is served, how can I avoid breaking the law?
How does a Social Host Ordinance help reduce and prevent underage drinking parties?