The Law in California was changed several years ago to protect restaurants and bars who furnished alcoholic beverages to adults if their patrons subsequently became so intoxicated that they injured an innocent third party while on their way home or more typically while driving to their next bar.

In 2011 the legislature amended the law to reinstate liability of social hosts (i.e. parents or adults) who knowingly furnished alcohol beverages at their home to persons they knew or should have known to be under age 21 years old.

Graduation parties, birthday celebrations or other events held at a person’s home, would provide a basis for liability under this law if the parent or adult in charge knew or should have known that alcohol would be served to under aged drinks.

Each year, high school graduates and other under aged drinkers, are involved in catastrophic automobile accidents that involve not only the under aged driver and their passengers but innocent third parties who are on the roadway are at the wrong place and the wrong time.

It is important for parents hosting these parties to understand the legal risks involved and their responsibility to their guests and the innocent third parties who may be injured when the party is over.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a serious injury involving a minor who was served alcohol at a party or at a social gathering, held at an individual’s home, please contact attorney Gary Sernaker to discuss your legal rights that either you or your family member may have as a consequence of the adults hosting the social gathering in violation of California law.