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Party With Alcohol and Minors

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  • 06-19-2008, 03:05 PM
    Caligirlvta
    Party With Alcohol and Minors
    My question involves criminal law for the state of: CA

    My friends and I are planning on throwing a party next year (we will all be 21+ by then) and we wanted to have alcohol there. The party is going to be held at a place we are going to rent, not at anyone's house. Like I said, we were planning on having a bartender and alcohol present at the party. However, my other 2 friends that are hosting it with me want to invite some of their friends that won't be 21 by the time we have the party. We are planning on doing some sort of wristband thing to let the bartender know who is 21 (we will give these out personally) and for those few that aren't 21, we were going to mark them somehow (like they do at some 18+ clubs). Everyone at this party is going to be people that I/we know, not just a random "come one, come all" kind of party.

    So, I have a few questions:

    Even though we are taking steps to prevent minors from consuming alcohol at our party, if someone gets them a drink, are we held responsible? Is it simply because we provided the alcohol that we are held as the responsible ones, even though we will be taking steps to ensure that no one under 21 gets alcohol?

    If the above is true, I plan on telling my friends that we either have to have the party with no alcohol or make it a purely 21 and over party. Otherwise, I will not be purchasing ANY of the alcohol for the party. If I do that but still help plan every other aspect of the party, if a minor is caught drinking, will I also be held responsible with my friends even though I didn't purchase any of the alcohol?

    Sorry about this being so long, but I have been doing a lot of research and can't seem to get a straight answer. Thank you very much for your help.
  • 06-20-2008, 10:27 AM
    Mr. Knowitall
    Re: Party With Alcohol and Minors
    If you're renting a facility, and using the facility's bartender, talk to the facility about your plans.
  • 06-20-2008, 11:17 AM
    cdwjava
    Re: Party With Alcohol and Minors
    You might also want to check with the local municipality for any licensing that might be required. If you have 10 or more people there, and alcohol will be served, you may have problems - especially if you have people under 21.

    If you are going to charge for admission, you will defintely have problems.

    - Carl
  • 06-20-2008, 02:14 PM
    lwpat
    Re: Party With Alcohol and Minors
    You could really have problems if they are underage or the party gets out of hand and someone damages the property. Some friends I know had to come up with 12,000 after a New Year's party at the beach. I was not sympathetic since they did not invite me.
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