Social Host Ordinance Laws

What is a Social Host Ordinance?

Social Host Ordinances seek to prevent the negative consequences of underage drinking by penalizing those who host or enable youth alcohol consumption on their property.

Some parents think that teens and their friends will “be safer” if they allow underage drinking and supervise teenage alcohol consumption in their homes. Yet by giving youth access to alcohol in private settings, “social hosts” can enable permanent, physical damage to our minors.

Social Host Ordinances allow law enforcement to cite the individual who hosted a teenage drinking party – or who owns the land where parties occur – as in violation of the law. 

For more information on how you can help enact a Social Host Ordinance in your community, review the Arizona Guide on
Drafting a Social Host Ordinance and watch the videos for tips from local community activists.