Connecticut’s Strict Social Hosting Laws: What Parents Need to Know

The Season for Celebrations — and Legal Risks

During holidays and school breaks, Connecticut police departments see a sharp increase in underage-drinking investigations — and often, parents are the ones who end up facing criminal charges.

You may think you’re just keeping your kids safe by letting them “have a few beers” at home with their friends, but under Connecticut’s Social Hosting law, even that small decision can lead to a criminal arrest.

At the Law Offices of Allan F. Friedman, I’ve represented dozens of parents — especially in Greenwich, Darien, and New Canaan — who never thought they were breaking the law. Yet a single holiday party or post-football-game gathering can result in serious charges that threaten your record, your job, and your reputation.

What Is Connecticut’s Social Hosting Law?

Under Connecticut General Statutes § 30-89a, it is a crime for any person who owns or controls a private residence to knowingly permit a minor to possess or consume alcohol on the premises.

The law applies even if:

You didn’t buy the alcohol yourself,
You weren’t home when it was consumed, or
You believed it was “safer” for teens to drink under supervision.

If police determine that minors drank in your home — even during a holiday get-together — you can be arrested for Social Hosting, which is typically charged as a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine.

Why Police Crack Down Between Halloween and Christmas

From late October through the end of December, law-enforcement agencies across Fairfield County run zero-tolerance enforcement operations targeting underage drinking.

High-school football games, Halloween parties, Thanksgiving break, and holiday gatherings all create conditions where minors are caught consuming alcohol. Neighbors often make anonymous complaints, or a single social-media post can trigger a police visit.

In towns like Greenwich, New Canaan, Westport, and Darien, police take these cases extremely seriously — especially after several high-profile incidents in past years involving alcohol-related accidents during the holiday season.

Even if your child hosts a small gathering while you’re out of town, you can still be charged if it occurs in your home or on your property.

How These Investigations Usually Start

Most social-hosting cases begin when:

A neighbor reports noise or underage drinking;
Police respond to a disturbance call during a party;
Someone posts photos or videos of alcohol use online; or
A teen leaves your home and is stopped for DUI or possession.

Once officers determine the location where the drinking occurred, they often focus on the homeowner or tenant, regardless of who actually provided the alcohol.

In many cases, parents are contacted by phone and told the police “just want to talk.” These pre-arrest investigations can quickly turn into formal charges if not handled properly.
That’s why it’s critical to speak with a lawyer before answering any questions or agreeing to meet with detectives.

Why Good Intentions Don’t Protect You

Many parents think that allowing teens to drink “safely” at home under adult supervision will prevent them from driving — but the law doesn’t recognize that distinction.

Even if no one drives and no one gets hurt, Connecticut law still holds you strictly liable for permitting underage drinking in your home.
The statute is written this way intentionally — to eliminate the “I was trying to keep them safe” defense.

Intent doesn’t matter — what matters is whether minors consumed alcohol on your property.

What To Do If the Police Contact You

If you receive a call from the Greenwich Police Department or another local department asking to discuss an incident at your home, do not speak with them without counsel present.
These cases are often treated as criminal investigations, not informal inquiries.

As your attorney, I can:

Communicate directly with the police on your behalf;
Gather the facts before any arrest decision is made; and
Work to prevent the case from being charged or to minimize exposure.

Early legal representation often makes the difference between a quiet resolution and an embarrassing public arrest.

Possible Defenses and Outcomes

Every case depends on its facts, but potential defense strategies include:

Lack of knowledge that minors were consuming alcohol;
No proof of possession or consumption at your residence;
Unauthorized gathering (your child hosted friends without consent); or
Insufficient evidence linking you to the alleged event.

First-time offenders may be eligible for a diversionary program such as the Accelerated Rehabilitation (AR) Program, which can result in a complete dismissal and erasure of the charge.

Why a Social Hosting Arrest Can Affect Your Job

Even though most of these cases involve no intent to harm anyone, a Social Hosting arrest still results in a public criminal case.
That means employers, background-check companies, and professional licensing boards may see the charge.

Taking swift action to resolve the matter and apply for the AR Program can prevent long-term consequences and protect your reputation — especially in sensitive fields such as finance, education, and healthcare.

Protect Yourself — and Your Family

If the police contact you — or even if you suspect an investigation may be underway — don’t wait until it turns into an arrest.
Connecticut’s Social Hosting law is strict, but with early legal help, these cases can often be resolved quietly and without lasting consequences.

At Allan F. Friedman, Criminal Lawyer, we’ve helped parents across Greenwich, New Canaan, Darien, and Fairfield County protect their reputations and keep their records clean.

📞 Call (203) 357-5555 today for a confidential consultation, or reach out through our Contact Page →.
We’ll handle the situation discreetly, communicate with the police on your behalf, and work toward the best possible outcome.

FAQs: Connecticut Social Hosting Law

What is Connecticut’s Social Hosting law?
Under C.G.S. § 30-89a, it’s illegal to knowingly permit minors to possess or consume alcohol at your home or property.

Can I be charged even if I wasn’t home?
Yes. If minors drank at your residence and you owned or controlled the property, you can still be charged.

What if no one was hurt and everyone stayed overnight?
Intent doesn’t matter. Even “safe” gatherings can lead to arrest if underage drinking occurs.

Can my child also be charged?
Yes. Teens who provide or possess alcohol can face their own misdemeanor charges.

Is this a felony?
No — it’s a Class A misdemeanor, but it carries serious penalties and long-term consequences.

Can I get the case dismissed?
Often, yes. First-time offenders may qualify for the Accelerated Rehabilitation (AR) Program, which results in dismissal and erasure.

Protect Your Home, Your Record, and Your Peace of Mind

If you’re a parent or homeowner in Greenwich, New Canaan, Darien, or anywhere in Fairfield County, take Connecticut’s Social Hosting law seriously.
A quick call for legal advice today can prevent a much bigger problem tomorrow.

📞 Call (203) 357-5555 or use our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.