Helping to Prevent Underage Drinking
The law was enacted because the Nassau County legislature realized that underage drinking was becoming a significant problem in the county. Although the New York State legislature already has in place laws that forbid the "giving, selling and possessing of alcohol in relation to minors," it did not address the situation of persons over 18 serving alcohol to minors in their homes.
The Nassau County Social Host Law addresses this type of situation. As a result of the passing of this law, it is now unlawful for a person over the age of 18 to serve alcohol in their homes to persons under 21, which is the legal drinking age in New York State.
Penalties
Violating this law constitutes an unclassified misdemeanor.
- For a first offense, a person breaking this law will be fined $250.
- A second offense will bring a fine of $500.
- Third and subsequent offenses: the person violating this law will be punished by either a $1,000 fine, imprisonment for up to a year, or both.
Source: Nassau County Social Host Law.
