Social hosting refers to providing alcohol or allowing its consumption at your property or any gathering you organize. Even when the host doesn’t personally supply the alcohol, they can still be held legally responsible if underage drinking occurs or if an impaired person leaves the home and causes harm. With an increase in social gatherings where guests leave intoxicated, there are also increased safety risks on the road and alcohol related incidents. Understanding the laws and responsibilities around hosting is an important part of preventing dangerous situations and keeping the Brookline community safe.
Social hosting is especially risky when teens are involved. Research shows that underage drinking in a private home does not make teens safer or “teach them to drink responsibly.” Instead, supervised or allowed drinking is associated with higher binge drinking rates, more injuries, and increased risk-taking. It also exposes parents to civil liability, criminal charges, and financial consequences. Families are encouraged to plan ahead, set clear boundaries, and consider alcohol-free or well-supervised alternatives to help young people stay connected in safer ways.

Practical Tips for Safer Hosting

Know the local and state laws: adults may be held liable for underage drinking or for allowing an impaired guest to leave the property.

• Make a plan before gatherings: discuss expectations with your teen, lock up alcohol, and communicate clear rules with other parents.
  
• ​Offer alcohol-free activities and beverages, especially when teens are present.
  
• If adults are drinking at your home, ensure guests have a designated driver, safe transportation, or stay on-site until sober.
  
• Reach out early to your teen’s friends’ parents to coordinate expectations around parties, curfews, and supervision.

What Brookline Offers: Local Support and Prevention

• B-HIP (Brookline Behavioral Health Intervention and Prevention Programs), part of the Brookline Department of Public Health, offers free, confidential programming to support mental health and individuals with substance use disorders.
• B-SIP (Brookline Student Intervention & Prevention) offers counseling for students and families dealing with behavioral risks, including substance use and mental health issues.
• B-WELL (Brookline Coalition for Wellness & Prevention) is a community wellness coalition that brings together schools, parents, youth, public health leaders, and individuals in recovery to strengthen prevention efforts, promote healthy choices, and reduce youth substance use across town.

Additional Resources

Town of Brookline Social Hosting Bylaw
Massachusetts Social Host Law (Mass.gov)
NIH: National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
​MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Parent Resources
CDC: Youth and Alcohol