Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or gathering with friends this Fourth of July, taking steps to prevent underage drinking is an important part of keeping everyone safe. Oklahoma’s social host laws make hosts legally responsible when underage drinking occurs on their property, and the consequences can be significant. Here’s what every host should know before celebrating.
What is the Law?
Social host laws hold the host or homeowner accountable when underage drinking occurs in spaces such as the home, backyard or private property. Even if the host or homeowner didn’t provide the alcohol or was not present, they are still responsible for any underage drinking that occurred in their residence. If booking a rental, such as an Airbnb, the person who made the reservation is responsible for underage guests.
This means that the hosts are legally responsible for underage drinking. Hosts can face fines, potential jail time, and criminal charges, which can escalate if an impaired minor causes property damage, injury or death.
Myth or Fact?
It’s better to let teens drink at home under parental supervision.
Myth! Minors who start drinking at a young age are more likely to binge drink and develop alcohol-related disorders.
Teens should be able to drink because in some countries the legal age is 18.
Myth! Teens get drunk twice as fast as adults, and their brains are still developing, putting adolescent health at risk.
How Do Teens Access Alcohol?
The Oklahoma Prevention Needs Assessment is a required anonymous survey for students in 6th, 8th, 10th and 12th grades designed to measure psychological distress and health behaviors. According to the 2023-2024 OPNA survey, for 6th and 8th graders, the most common source of getting alcohol was at home with their parents’/guardians’ permission. The most common source for 10th- and 12th-graders was someone they knew who was 21 or older.
As you enjoy the Fourth of July festivities, remember to prioritize safety by:
- Monitoring alcohol consumption
- Keeping alcohol out of reach of minors
- Preventing impaired or intoxicated guests from driving
- Offering mocktails and dirty sodas
- Having a plan to get home safely
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