<p>D coming home from Boston area next week - we live in So. Cal. I'm having an open house for family, neighbors and friends , including D's friends and their parents. Alcohol will be served, D wasn't big drinker ( if at all) in highschool and friends weren't either ( I don't thinK). I know for a fact that D is imbibing in college and her friends are too. I've personally always offered my kids a glass of wine ( they've refused) at special family occasions. How should I handle this at my party. If their parents are there and don't care should I let them drinK? I was thinking that I would let them have a beer if I could have their car keys and make them spend the night. Would appreciate input from those who have gone before. This cannot be an uncommon situation. Obviously kids are drinking in college and it seems somewhat hypocritical to pretend they are not. I'm an attorney so of course I'm conscious of the liability issues. Help please! Also have son who is a junior in highschool and his friends will be there too.</p>
<p>If kids are going to drive I would not offer them alcohol. I'd ask who is driving before pouring. You are liable, after all, both legally and morally. I think that erases any fears about hypocrisy.</p>
<p>But my personal observation is that kids get such easy access to alcohol at college that they are not likely to drink in your home, especially with their parents present. They will most likely defer, leave, and party together somewhere else -- hopefully a final destination where they will spend the night.</p>
<p>Oh boy, not a good idea!!!!! If you live in socal as I do, you must have read the stories over the last few years of local parents who have been prosecuted for knowingly serving minors alcohol. Your liability, should one of those kids cause harm of any kind, would be massive. Even if you do not supply the liquor, but know it is being consumed, you a party to any outcome. NEVER folks, never, let minors consume alcohol in your homes!</p>
<p>Agreed with kirmom absolutely in terms of legal liability. A month or so ago, a woman in our area was arrested and charged with a felony after allowing a party in her home with teenagers drinking. A fight ensued and one of the teenagers was beaten. The woman claimed that she did not know the drinking was going on. </p>
<p>I would not serve alcohol to minors whether or not driving is involved. It is illegal for you to do so, and who knows really whether someone will or will not end up driving.</p>
<p>there is a big difference between knowing they drink (somewhere) and serving alcohol to minors in your home. </p>
<p>What if there are parents there who don't want their kids drinking? I think you will have an easier time (and better party) if minors are not served alcohol.</p>