Enforcement Program
CADY works closely with our law enforcement partners to promote respect for the law and protect our children and youth from the harms associated with substance abuse. Our goal is to shape positive environments that promote protective factors and reduce risk by reducing access to illicit substances.
New Hampshire's Party Host Liability Law
Most underage drinkers get their alcohol from adults. In 2004 the NH legislature passed a law (RSA 644:18) to hold "hosts" of parties responsible for the actions of underage participants. This law can be applied to any adult.
Under this Law
Host means a person who:
- is at least 17 years old;
- owns, rents, or has control of the site;
- knows about the party; and
- knows that persons under the age of 21 have a plan to drink alcohol or use drugs;
Party means:
- five or more people under the age of 21 (not related to the host) are present; and
- at least one person under the age of 21 has an alcoholic drink or an illegal drug.
To Stay Safe Under This Law
People whose properties may be the site of underage drinking or drug parties should:
- tell local law enforcement officials as soon as possible;
- take action to prevent the party; and/or
- try to stop the party, if it has already started.
What can happen to “hosts”?
Under this law, a person who hosts a party where minors drink alcohol or use drugs may be charged with a misdemeanor, fined up to $2,000 and spend a year in jail.
Exceptions:
The provisions of this section shall not apply to:
- the use of alcoholic beverages at legally protected religious observances or activities, or
- those persons using a controlled drug under a physician’s care where the use of the drug is consistent with the directions of a physician.
Law enforcement in NH takes underage drinking seriously
Other Applicable Legislation (find it all at: www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/nhtoc.htm)
- Section 179:5 Prohibited Sales to those under 21
- Section 179:5-a Sale of Kegs of Malt Beverages Require Identification of Buyer
- Section 179:10 Unlawful Possession and Intoxication by those under 21
You can be part of the solution
Call the NH Liquor Commission’s Bureau of Enforcement at 1-888-8-Over-21 (888-868-3721) to anonymously report underage alcohol violations such as sales to minors or upcoming parties. Partnering with law enforcement is a key strategy to reduce underage drinking in our communities.
Reducing Underage Alcohol Problems: Party Host Liability
www.new-futures.org
Download: NH Party Host Liability Law
Party Patrols
The Bristol Police Department will be holding a “party patrol” detail on Halloween night. During the “party patrol” detail, a police officer and cruiser will be dedicated to patrolling the Bristol community to curtail and prevent any underage drinking activity. Chief John Clark of the Bristol police department reports that his department is invested in taking pro-active measures to address the problem of underage drinking in the Bristol community. “We have all heard of the horrific crashes and fatalities associated with underage drinking” says Chief Clark. “Our department is dedicated to preventing underage drinking and the many tragedies associated with alcohol abuse.” The Bristol Police Department is committed to support healthy behaviors for area teens, and to discourage high-risk, unhealthy behaviors and perceptions. These strategies include reducing the availability of alcohol to underage drinkers and reducing the opportunities for underage drinking. “The “party patrol” is one step in addressing this problem on a local level,” says Chief Clark.
Alcohol is the number ONE youth drug problem in New Hampshire. There are widespread harms associated with underage drinking. Young people who drink are more likely to engage in or be subject to a broad range of risky behaviors including drinking and driving, criminal activity, sexual assaults, and other violent behavior, just to name a few. Please be proactive and help us spread the following message to Youth: Underage drinking is: Unhealthy, Unsafe; and Unacceptable.
Community members can be a part of the solution to prevent underage alcohol or drug parties. PROJECT MONITOR UNDER 21, a program of CADY (Communities for Alcohol – and Drug-free Youth) is an anonymous voicemail line where community members and parents can call when word of an upcoming party surfaces. Police will be notified and will follow up by contacting the party hosts to ensure that homeowners are aware of the party and that adequate supervision is available to prevent the illegal use of alcohol or other drugs. A call to Project Monitor Under 21 is a pro-active approach and could prevent a community tragedy.
To access PROJECT MONITOR UNDER 21 simply call 2-1-1. With other questions regarding the upcoming “party patrol” contact CADY or the Bristol Police Department at 744-6320.
