Hingham Teen Could Face Fine, Jail Time for Allowing Peers To Party

Police say a 17-year-old Hingham teen violated the Social Host law for allowing his peers to party at his father’s home on Friday night.

The teen was arrested for possession of alcohol as a minor, keeping a disorderly house and furnishing alcohol to minors after police said he threw a party his home while his father was away.

Hingham Police Sgt. Steven Dearth said the teen violated the Social Host Law. Under the Social Host Law, a host is liable when he or she knowingly or intentionally supply, give, provide to or allow a person under 21 years of age to possess alcoholic beverages. In this case, police say the teen allowed other teens to drink in his home, and is therefore responsible.

If found guilty, he could face up to one year in prison or up to a $2,000 fine or both, according to the Massachusetts state law.

Police were called to the residence, a condo in the 1100 block of Main Street, at around 10:15 a.m. after a neighbor reported hearing loud music come from the home.

A total of eight other teenagers between the ages of 15-18-years-old from Hingham and Marshfield were arrested and charged with possession of alcohol as minors, Dearth said. Five of the teens were under the age of 17.

When police arrived, they could see a male in the living room with beer bottles, Dearth said. When police were eventually allowed in to check on the welfare of a man who appeared passed out on the couch, they found beer cans everywhere and found the home in “complete disarray,” Dearth said. He also said multiple teens smelt of alcohol and had glassy eyes.

A female who was at the party also became sick after she was brought to the police station and vomited repeatedly.

The teens were transported to the station in prisoner van from the Town of Weymouth.

Dearth said the Social Host Laws applies to minors and not just parents.

Saturday’s incident is more common than some may think.

In May, a total of 17 people were arrested after a house party on East Street and the father at the home was charged with violating the Social Host Law.

Earlier this year, a Cohasset mom avoided charges of furnishing alcohol to minors and keeping a disorderly house after 30 teens were found drinking in her Cohasset home during a New Years party. In January, a Hingham judge had taken the case under advisement for the next six months and if the mom stays out of trouble during that time, the potential charges will be dropped, according to the Boston Globe.

A year before that, a Hingham mother had charges of selling/delivering liquor to a person under the age of 21, continued without a finding after more than 30 teens were found drinking at her house while she was present.

Hingham High School has since addressed the issue. In March, students along with the Plymouth County District Court and the Hingham Police Department performed a skit showing the dangers of teen drinking. In the skit they warned students not to throw teen parties or they could face jail time for violating he Social Host Law. The school also had a speaker give a presentation to parents regarding the issue..

Before last year’s graduation, Sgt. Dearth said Hingham Police always take underage drinking very serious and when alcohol is involved at a teen party, he said police have to worry about drunk driving, alcohol poising, and an underage drinker’s overall well-being.

The recent incidents have also caused Hingham State Rep. Garrett Bradley to consider changing the laws.

Earlier this year, Bradley re-filed a bill that would strengthen the social host law by adding a civil liability provision to the statute, providing for monetary damages arising out of personal injuries, deaths or property damages that occur at parties where underage drinking occurs.

“I re-filed this bill because this behavior continues to happen, and we have an obligation to take action to discourage and prevent underage drinking and the often tragic consequences that arise from that behavior,” Bradley said. “Although I agree that there are practical difficulties in enforcing a social host law and determining fault, the intent of my bill is to further define the responsibility of the property owner and the party host.”

Frequently Asked Questions About the Social Host Law:

1. Does the Social Host Law apply to my son, who is not yet 21 years old? Yes. The law states “whoever” furnishes alcohol to persons under 21, and that “whoever” applies to everyone.

2. Can I avoid liability by renting a hotel room for my son/daughter’s graduation party? No. Since you rented the room, you control the room. The law applies to the person(s) in control of the premises or property.

3. If my child hosts a party while I am away, can I still be held liable? Yes. If you have reason to believe that minors will be consuming alcohol in your home even when you are not there, you may be charged criminally or held liable civilly.

4. Can I serve alcohol to my own children? An exception to the law in Massachusetts allows you to serve alcohol to your children and grandchildren. However, should an injury result, you may still be liable for substantial monetary damages in a civil suit.

5. What should I do if my son/daughter’s underage friends bring alcohol into my home and start drinking? Call the parents of the underage friend(s) in question, and call the police.

Source: Mass.Gov