Common Situations
The related body of United States law governing the liability of taverns, liquor stores, and other commercial establishments that serve alcoholic beverages is known as dramshop liability. Social-host liability can vary greatly from state to state, a problem increased by the often heavy reliance on case precedent rather than the text of the statute. Avoiding liability totally can only be achieved by not serving any alcohol.
Most people are aware that serving alcohol to minors is almost always illegal. They may not be aware that they may be held liable if the alcohol provided is found to "contribute" to the commission of, for example, a sex crime. In some states, such as New Hampshire, a minor who serves other minors may be liable. If the underage drinking took place in a home, the parents may be held liable even if they were not present and did not provide the alcohol. If the parents had "probable cause" to know an underage party would occur while they were away, they can be held liable for the party-goers' actions on and off their property.
Read more about this topic: Social Host Liability
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