Alcohol-Know the Laws

Alcohol - Know the Laws

In order for HCC to provide appropriate strategies to reduce youth alcohol use we must stay informed. Please read on for some of the latest information regarding the law and youth alcohol use so that you can also stay informed!

< 21, Served

In New York State it is illegal to sell or provide alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. Anyone caught doing so could face a fine of up to $2,500 or be sentenced to 1 year in jail.

Further, anyone caught providing alcohol to someone under the age of 21 in a manner that may pose risk or harm may also be charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child. It is also important to note that adults who are driving under the influence with children in the vehicle may also be charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

Periodically, the New York State Troopers will perform compliance checks in local stores, bars, and restaurants that sell and/or serve alcohol. Anyone who knowingly sells alcohol to a minor or fails to check ID and sells to someone under 21 is subject to financial penalties, arrest, and the establishment could potentially lose their license to sell alcohol.

The "Social Host" Problem

Some counties in New York State have taken this one step further and have imposed what is called a “Social Host” ordinance. While Cattaraugus County currently does not have such an ordinance in effect, it has been suggested in the past.

When a county imposes a Social Host ordinance it means that anyone who owns or leases a private property can be held liable if minors have been found to be drinking alcohol or using substances on the premises whether the host was the one who provided them the substances or not.

There have been many arguments against enacting this ordinance in our county, but it is important to understand its purpose. As you will find in our “Data and Facts” section, Cattaraugus County youth are using alcohol, and many are getting it from those who are over the age of 21. Underage use of alcohol puts youth at risk on many levels and in some instances can have a life-long impact. As of now, the major argument against not enacting the ordinance is that it is currently legal for a parent to allow their child to have alcohol in the privacy of their home with their permission. However, this may be sending the wrong message for youth in saying that there is a certain social “norm” or acceptance for underage drinking. This can have detrimental consequences for all involved especially when considering the negative impact that youth alcohol and substance use can have. Please refer to our Data and Facts section for more information and then read on in our “Campaigns and Strategies” section to find out what HCC is doing to help prevent the normalization of underage drinking in Cattaraugus County.

Know the Laws