The Minnesota Student Survey indicates that the vast majority of alcohol consumed by youth is provided by their friends, parents, other family members, or at parties, rather than the youth buying it themselves or taking it. Currently in Martin County, the youth is charged with possession or consumption of alcohol, but this ordinance also allows law enforcement to charge the individual who hosted the event.

Adults will not be legally responsible if they did not know, or did not have reason to know about the underage drinking. However, if the host knew or reasonably should have known about the party or gathering, knew or should have known that underage drinking was occurring, and the host did nothing to prevent it, he/she will be legally responsible.

A host is not  criminally responsible if a youth sneaks alcohol that is available for adults at an event or gathering without the host’s knowledge.

The ordinance does not apply to conduct solely between an underage person and his or her parents while present in the parent’s household and does not apply to legally protected religious observances.

A parent cannot be charged under a Social Host Ordinance if, in their presence, they allow their underage child to consume alcohol in their residence. Allowing someone else’s child to do so would be illegal. The parent is responsible for the safety and actions of their underage child.