Guidelines for Hosting a House Party
 
 

Having a party?  Here are some guidelines to help you keep control of your party and possibly avoid law enforcement intervention.

  1. Limit the party only to invited or known guests.  Don't have an "open party" that anyone off the street can attend.  Guests you don't know do not always have your best interest in mind and may damage or steal your property.
     
  2. Keep the size of your party reasonable.  Too many guests often attracts the attention of police and neighbors.
     
  3. Be a responsible host.  You should maintain the ability to monitor the behavior, health and safety of your guests and be able to identify and report emergencies.  It is possible that you may be held legally responsible if something happens to one of your guests.
     
  4. Monitor the noise level.  Typically, house parties are brought to our attention because of excessive noise.  This includes noise complaints (neighbors calling), party noise (people yelling, loud music), fights & disturbances, people gathering outside (hanging out in the street, driveways, porches).
     
  5. Don't become a bar.  If you are selling alcohol or charging admission (selling cups) to enter your home, you have become a bar and are selling / dispensing alcohol without a permit. 
     
  6. Do not serve to, or allow underage persons to consume alcohol at your party, it is unlawful.
     
  7. Keep the alcohol inside or on your property.  Don't allow guests to leave your home with open intoxicants.  If they are on the street with open intoxicants, they can be issued a citation and will attract our attention to your party.
     

If the police do show up at the party, what should we do?

  1. Have a responsible host come outside and contact us.  We are generally there because of a complaint, but may have other reasons to contact you.  Refusing to answer the door or contact us will not avoid a citation.  We may go away that night, but we will contact you in the following days.  You can be cited after the fact.
     
  2. Be cooperative and courteous.  You will be treated fairly by cooperating with us.  Bring identification with you when you contact us.  Ask your guests to avoid trying to influence our decisions.  We have procedures that we follow when dealing with these situations.  Arguing the merits of a citation at that time is counter-productive.  If a citation is issued, you will have a court date that you may attend to argue your case.


How to keep your party safe......

  1. Offer non-alcoholic beverages and food.  Some people can't or may not want to drink.
     
  2. Don't let intoxicated guests drive home or leave alone.  You have assumed some responsibility for their behavior by serving them. 
     
  3. Use common sense.  Parties can be high-risk situations, with many potential, costly consequences associated with hosting one.  Getting intoxicated can be dangerous.  Students have been injured and have even died in house party situations.  As a result, much of the liability is on the shoulders of the host.
     
  4. Attend parties with friends and never walk home alone!