GRADUATION. SUMMER VACATION TIME AND PARTIES: BE CAREFUL IN NH!

New Hampshire has a law holding parents and property owners criminally liable for holding a house party where there is underage drinking. The Statue indicates that a parent or property owner who has knowledge of underage drinking on their property can be arrested and receive a criminal conviction, giving them a misdemeanor record plus a fine of up to $1200.00

Even if the parent is not home, if they have a reasonable suspicion that an underage party may involve drinking, that parent could be charged.

It is always a good idea to properly supervise underage individuals. If, however, you are in a position where police are at your door, you do not have to let them in the house without a warrant.

Parents should make it clear to their teen-agers on summer vacation that there is to be absolutely NO consumption of alcohol beverages (or illegal drugs) at home by them or their friends.  It is also a good idea to restrict access to any alcohol kept at home by keeping a minimum supply of beer and wine on hand and storing the hard stuff under lock and key.

When we see these cases, in most instances the parents have already admitted sufficient guilt for them to be charged and convicted. We recommend that you say little, suggest to them that you would like them to not come into your private premises, and contact Normand & Associates next business morning if there are any arrests.

Articles contained here are not intended to provide legal advice, only providing general information. We encourage individuals to consult with an attorney regarding individual circumstances.