Hosting Large Parties
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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