Hingham Dad Could Face Jail Time, Fine For Hosting Teen Party

As high school graduation and prom approach this week, Hingham police are warning parents not to allow underage parties involving alcohol at their homes.

This comes after police say a Hingham father allowed drinking at a house party on Saturday night at 342 East Street in which over 16 people between the ages of 17-20 were arrested for underage drinking.  A 21-year-old was also arrested for disturbing the peace. Others escaped by running through the woods.

The homeowner, William Hacking, 51, faces a criminal complaint at Hingham District Court for violating the Social Host Law. If found guilty, he could face up to one year in prison or up to a $2,000 fine or both, Hingham Police Sgt. Steven Dearth said.

"This is a criminal violation," Dearth said. "Anytime we have probable cause to believe someone violated the social host law, we will proceed with prosecution.”

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 Hacking allowed the teens to drink, and is therefore responsible. 

Police say Hackling appeared drunk when he was questioned, but his attorney has since disputed that claim.

Police also believe Hackling had begun to remove the beer cans when police were securing teens from their vehicles, before they could drive home.

When an officer arrived at the East Street house party at 11:52 p.m. Saturday, he was almost struck by a glass beer bottle when he stepped out of his car. The bottle missed him and shattered on the pavement at his feet beside his cruiser. A second bottle then almost struck his hood and shattered on the pavement at his front bumper.

After additional officers were called to the scene, they spotted youths running into the home, the home’s bar and the woods surrounding the home. Those arrested were located on the second floor among numerous unopened and opened spilled beer cans and a ping pong table with spilled beer, plastic cups, and empty beer cans, police said. Officers also located youths in vehicles on East Street before they could drive away.

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

In a study conducted during the 2011-12 school year at Hingham High School, 26 percent of freshman and juniors  stated they had attended a party within the last three months where alcohol was served with an adult’s knowledge.

Police statistics also show the number of minors arrested for operating under the influence of alcohol in Hingham increased 50 percent in 2011 over 2010 (4 in 2011 and 2 in 2010).

Last year 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.

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.

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. The school also had a speaker give a presentation to parents regarding the Social Host Law.

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 wellbeing.

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."

The 17 people that were arrested on Saturday had their arraignment at Hingham District Court postponed until next month.