Community Corner

Ask a Trooper: Will Parents Go to Jail for Underage Drinking at Home?

Public Information Officer Lt. J. Paul Vance of the state police provides answers to your law enforcement questions.

By Field Editor Jayme Kunze.

Reader Question:
Is it against the law to serve your own underage children alcohol in your own home?

Response from Lt. J. Paul Vance: 
No. Connecticut General Statute 30-89 and 30-89a deal with alcohol and minors. CGA 30-89(c)(3) states that 30-89 does not apply to a minor who possesses alcoholic liquor while accompanied by a parent, guardian or spouse of the minor, who has attained the age of twenty one.

Reader Question: If kids have a party and friends drink, what is the penalty?

Response from Lt. J. Paul Vance: 
CGA 30-89a is a class A misdemeanor for knowingly, recklessly or with criminal negligence, permitting any minor to possess alcoholic liquor or failing to make reasonable efforts to halt such possession. Also, depending on the severity of the situation, one could also be charged with “Risk of Injury to a Minor” and/or “Reckless Endangerment”.

Reader Question: 
If the parents aren't home and the kids and friends raid the liquor cabinet, who is liable, and what's the penalty?

Response from Lt. J. Paul Vance: 
If the parents did not knowingly or recklessly or with criminal negligence permit minors to possess alcoholic liquor, they did not violate CT General Statute 30-89a.

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