The Coalition held a Public Service Announcement (PSA) Video Contest in 2019 educating youth on the Social Host Law - see Coalition Activities - under HOME tab for details!!

SOCIAL HOST LAW

On February 2, 2015, the Steuben County Social Host Law went into effect.

​“SOCIAL HOST LAW TO PROHIBIT THE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES and/or ILLEGAL
DRUGS BY MINORS ON PRIVATE PREMISES IN STEUBEN COUNTY”

• Local law prohibiting the consumption of alcoholic beverages and/or illegal drugs by minors on private premises in Steuben County.
• New York State law does not provide appropriate sanction to address these circumstances and there is nothing pending before the New York State Legislature to address this threat to the youth of Steuben County.
• New York State Law has not regulated the situation where a person age 16 or over knowingly permits the consumption of alcohol by a minor in his or her home, or on premises under his or her control.
• This local law will provide specific deterrence to this type of activity, allow criminal sanctions to apply to those who endanger the youth of Steuben County by engaging in and supporting these activities; and thereby enhance public safety.
• Penalties:
  • 1st offense - $250 fine or 15 days in jail or a combination of both.  In addition, successful completion of a court approved alcohol and drug awareness program is required.  The first offense is a violation.
  • 2nd offense - $500 fine or 60 days in jail or a combination of both.  In addition, successful completion of a court approved alcohol and drug awareness program is required.  The second offense is an unclassified misdemeanor
  • 3rd and subsequent offenses - $1,000 fine or 1 year in jail or a combination of $1,000 fine and not more than 1 year in jail. In addition, successful completion of a court approved alcohol and drug awareness program is required.  The second offense is an unclassified misdemeanor

Definitions:  “MINOR” under 21; “PRIVATE PREMISES” any home, apartment, condominium, cooperative unit or other dwelling unit of any kind, including yards, open areas adjacent thereto, vacant land or farmland and accessory structures; “KNOWINGLY” aware of, or having reason to be aware of; “ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE” liquor, wine, beer, spirits, cider or other liquid, or solid composed of, or containing alcohol or spirits, whether or not brewed, fermented or distilled, and capable of being consumed by a person, except that confectionary containing alcohol as provided by §200.12 of the Agriculture and Markets Law not be regarded as an alcoholic beverage within the meaning of this section; “ILLEGAL DRUGS” any substance in §3306 of the Public Health Law and not prescribed by a physician; “SOCIAL GATHERING” party or gathering at a residence or other private premises of two or more persons, at least one of whom is not related by blood to others in attendance and is a minor; “CONTROL” actual or apparent authority and ability to regulate, direct or dominate private premises including, but not limited to, the control exercised by tenants, lessees, owners and/or landlords who have notice of underage drinking on their premises.

QUOTES

"Enforcement of this newly enacted Social Host Law is a priority prosecution in my office and there will be a no tolerance policy for those who violate it."  (Steuben County District Attorney - Brooks T. Baker)
"Today's youth are the future of our community, we promise to protect them.  Enforcement of this new law is a priority with all law enforcement county-wide.  Information provided about violations of the Social Host Law will be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.:
(Steuben County Police Chief's Association)

REMEMBER

It is NEVER legal for any adult to provide alcohol to someone else's child even with the permission of that child's parent.

steuben county tip line

1-844-378-4847