Town of East Lyme, CT

**Home Host Law**

On October 01, 2006, a new Connecticut law went into effect making it illegal for minors to possess alcohol anywhere, rather than only in public places. Among other things, it also became illegal for someone who possesses, or has control of private property, including a dwelling, to knowingly permit a minor to possess alcohol on the property, or fails to make a reasonable effort to stop a minor from possessing alcohol. The first violation of this law is an infraction. Repeat violations are punishable by incarceration.

Studies have found that more than 60% of teens said that they had consumed alcohol at house parties, and 75% of high school students reported that they got alcohol at home, with or without parental consent. This office encourages parents and care providers to make responsible and educated decisions regarding minors and alcohol and to consider the potential liabilities if they do not.