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Politics & Government

Parents Who Host Lose The Most

Did you know adults permitting a minor to consume alcohol on their property can be fined up to $844.80 per person in Menomonee Falls?

Over the years, many parents have somehow gotten the impression that they can legally host an underage drinking party if only they keep the children on their property and simply make them surrender their car keys.  

This is not true, and there are no gray areas in this part of the law.  It is illegal to purchase, pour, or provide alcohol for anyone under the age of 21 who isn’t your child or spouse.  This also means that other parents can’t give their permission for you to serve alcohol beverages their kids.

To raise awareness of this issue I, along with the Menomonee Falls Police Department, Fire Department, Community Education and Recreation, School District, Community Memorial Hospital, and other community volunteers have joined together to promote a public awareness campaign aimed at informing adults and teens about “Parents Who Host Lose the Most: Don’t Be a Party to Underage Drinking”.

There are numerous legal and health consequences to purchasing and/or providing alcohol to anyone under the age of 21.  Every year, local hospitals receive patients that have been drinking at one of these parties.  Some of these patients have died from alcohol poisoning or other injuries sustained while drinking at these parties.

Would you want your children to be in a situation like this?

The fines for hosting these parties are not light.  Adults permitting a minor to consume alcohol on their property can be fined up to $844.80 PER PERSON in Menomonee Falls.

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And parents who host can not only be charged with some serious fines – they can also be sued.  Wisconsin law provides adults with civil immunity for adult guests they provide with alcohol, but there is no immunity when alcohol is served to an underage drinker.  This means that, if an underage guest causes an injury, those victims could sue you.  

Since hosting an underage party is illegal, your homeowners insurance may not cover you in the event of damage or injuries sustained at your home, leaving the financial burden to come directly out of your own pocket.  Is it really worth risking your house or retirement to pour drinks to some of your children’s friends?

There are other alternatives to parents who want to protect themselves:

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  • Host safe, alcohol-free activities and events for youth during prom and graduation season.
  • Refuse to supply alcohol to children or allow drinking in your home or on your property.
  • Be at home when your teenager has a party.
  • Make regular and unobtrusive visits to the party area with sensitivity to teens’ needs for privacy and independence.
  • Make sure your teenager’s friends do not bring alcohol into your home.  If youth bring alcohol into your home, confiscate it immediately.
  • Limit the party access to a certain area of the house/property.
  • Talk to other parents about alcohol-free youth events.  Unity creates a tough, enforceable message.
  • Report underage drinking to authorities promptly.

Either way you look at it, parents who host, lose the most.

If you would like more information about the program, you can contact Mandie Reed at (262) 257-3048 or email at arreedy@froedterthealth.org.

To contact me with any questions or comments or to sign up for my regular e-updates, please send an e-mail to Rep.Knodl@legis.wi.gov or call me at (608) 266-3796.

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