What are the legal consequences of letting teens drink in our apartment?

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What are the legal consequences of letting teens drink in our apartment?

My husband had some of the teenage boys in our apartment complex over hanging out in our apartment while I was at work, and they started drinking. One of the boys got seriously intoxicated and when he left our apartment he fell down and hit his head outside. My husband brought him back up to our place to help him, until his family came over and took him to the hospital, where he is now the morning after. His mother said they’re still waiting for him to “sober up”. I want to know what the worst possible scenario for my husband would be?

Asked on June 14, 2012 under Criminal Law, Pennsylvania

Answers:

Andrew Goldberg

Answered 11 years ago | Contributor

That's not good. Your husband can be arrested for furnishung alcohol to a minor. I believe that is a misdemeanor. Perhaps worse, if the minor is injured and his injury was caused by his intoxication, as an adult, your husband could be civilly liable for the minor's injuries, pain and suffering, and related damages. Pennsylvania Law allows a minor to file a lawsuit against an adult, social host for serving him alcohol or  even making alcohol available to him. However, this may be covered by your policy of Homeowners Insurance. Good luck.


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