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A guide to frequent
party problems
and suggested solutions
Whether it is a graduation, prom or
holiday gathering, a party can be a fun way to mark a
special occasion. It is important to know the laws that affect
party givers, because you are 100% responsible for what your
guests do, whether they are invited guests or not, and whether
the party is held at your home or not. Under certain conditions,
you are even responsible for what they do after they leave your
party. Please take a moment to read the following important
guide.
Invitations: In
order to have a realistic amount of people at your party,
invite only a specific number of people. An open invitation
posted in a school or other public place is an invitation
to unwanted problems. Invite your neighbors. If they decide
to come, chances are they won't be disturbed by the party.
And even if they don't come, they may be a little more
inclined to tolerate any inconveniences.
Parking: One
of the most common complaints, and often the first police
receive about parties, concerns parking. Before you even
send out your invitations, it is a good idea to discuss your
party with your neighbors. You will find that a little common
courtesy goes a long way. If they have been made aware of
the crowd, they will be less likely to call the police.
Remember that it is unlawful to block a driveway,
to park within fifteen feet of a fire hydrant or to park
within twenty feet of an intersection. It is also illegal
to park in a manner other than parallel to the right curb.
Where there are no curbs, vehicles must be parked fully off
the roadway, but always on the right.
So that everyone knows where to park, include
pertinent parking information in your party invitation, and ask your
neighbors to notify you by phone if they see a vehicle illegally
parked.
Alcohol: If
you are planning to serve alcoholic beverages at your party,
you need to be aware of some important laws. In most of the United
States, it is illegal for anyone under the age of twenty-one
to possess alcohol, or for an adult to permit its
possession or consumption by anyone underage even if they
are in the same family.
Many people think that inside your own home you
can ignore the minimum age requirement for consuming alcohol, but this
is not true. For example a father can not give a 19 year
old son alcohol inside the home or out. If you are caught, you can
both be fined and/or go to jail.
In nearly all of the United States you may not
charge to enter a party or sell alcohol without a permit
from the state.
If you allow an intoxicated person to drive
home from a party, or anyplace that serves alcohol including a party
at school, at a bar, you are 100%
responsible for everything and anything that happens to
your intoxicated guest, as well as anything they make happen to
another person or property. You could go to jail if
they injure another person or die themselves in a crash on
the way home. You could go to jail for a very long time. Just don't do
it - do not allow anyone who appears intoxicated or anyone you suspect
of being intoxicated to drive themselves anywhere.
Noise: If
you intend to have music at your party, don't forget the
noise ordinance. If people can hear it beyond the limits of
your property, chances are that it is too loud. If you are
going to have a band, outdoor music or other loud
entertainment, advise your neighbors at the time the noise will end,
and keep your promise. You may need a permit for an outdoor
band in your area. Call your local police way before your
party to see if you can even have a band. Reasonable limits
on the volume and duration of the noise will minimize the
likelihood of a complaint. Remember, one person's music is
another's noise.
Most noise complaints will result in a warning by
police for the first violation. If officers must respond to
another complaint at the same party, arrests could result. Your
best bet is immediate and continued compliance when a noise
complaint comes your way.
Litter: As
you plan your party, keep in mind that all parties have at
least one thing in common - they tend to generate a lot of
trash. Make sure when your party is over that there is a clean up crew
standing ready.
Precautions: As
a party host you are responsible for the behavior of your
guests. Take some precautions to insure that your own property,
as well as that of others in your community, is neither
stolen nor damaged.
Hide money, jewelry, guns and other valuables in
a safe place and do not let people wander into unoccupied
areas of your home. Beware of party crashers - unwanted
guests who are attracted to all the activity. If someone
attending your party does not belong there, ask him or her
to leave. If they will not, call the police.
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