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Virginia's Social Host Law
Update to Virginia's Social Host Law concerning underage drinking went into effect on JULY 1, 2011
Most adults know it is illegal to provide alcohol to minors, but as of July 1, adults have another reason to think twice before furnishing alcoholic beverages to underage youth.
That’s because a new Virginia law increases the liability for so-called “social hosts,” adults whose actions — or failure to act — result in underage drinking.
Del. Charniele Herring’s (D-46) bill, HB 1496, passed by the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate with no “nay” votes, strengthens the language in Virginia’s Social Host law. It was signed into law by Governor Bob McDonnell (R) effective July 1, 2011 and includes the following provisions:
- It is against the law to provide alcohol to or purchase alcohol for minors.
- It is also illegal to have minors consuming alcohol in your residence or other location under your supervision.
- You don’t have to know the drinker is under 21. You are responsible if there is reason to suspect the drinker is under 21.
- You may be held liable if you know minors under your supervision are drinking, and you fail to intervene.
Penalties for violation include up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine for each underage person.
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